Consider This: To Live is Rare

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Consider This.

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Locker Love

(1. 2. 3.)

Lockers are an easy chic way to provide more closet/storage space in your home.  These metal lockers give the home an industrial feel that I am obsessed with right now.  You can find them in all shapes, sizes, and colors at lockers.com.  I would love kids storage lockers in my future kids room.  I am really liking {this personal locker} in peacock or mandarin orange.  Beautiful. 

I can see these in a mud-room, a kids room, a craft room.  In {this post}lockers are used in the kitchen for food storage.  I love the idea!  It is a non-traditional way of using a truly functional item in your own home.  Where would you put lockers in your home?  What colors would you choose?  Your thoughts?

Weekend Wonderment: Happy New Year!

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What I Like About . . . Me

I adore Project You and what the blog stands for.  They have started a new thing called "What I Like About You!"  "What I Like About You" is where you share ten things you like about yourself and then you get one other person close to you to make a list of ten things they like about you.  I asked my mom.  If you want to see what my mom and I like about me, go {here}.

Consider This.

Consider This.

Lips of Confidence

When the lovely Alyssa from Project You approached me about using these lips to pass along the spirit of Project You I was ecstatic!  I have mentioned PY before on my blog.  If you want to know more details go {HERE} or check out my interview with Alyssa from Project You.  In the past, Project You's message has been passed around the world (literally) using heart shaped sun glasses.  Now we have the pleasure of passing on these fun lip props from whisker works.

So, Project You is about empowering woman to be more confident in their lives and really see the beauty within.  Here are some of my adventures with the lips and how I took that message to heart: 

First I took the lips on a climbing weekend with just me and the hubs which I blogged about {HERE}.  That weekend my husband and I climbed really well and overcame our fear of lead climbing.  We kicked butt is what I am trying to say.

I took the lips to a job interview and nailed it!  I got the job I was really hoping to get.  I am now working at the homeless shelter.  

I also took the lips on one of my photo shoots with my little sister.  Being in front of a camera teaches you to be more comfortable with your looks.  I have really learned a lot from modeling for my store and having the lips there really helped me make that connection.

Last but not least, I shared the lips with both my mom, grandmas, and my great grandma as we sat and visited in the kitchen at my mom's house.  Four generations of strong woman, where else can you feel that confident and beautiful?  It was so fun to take pictures with the lips with the women in my family.  Seeing them have fun and be themselves at any age was empowering.  

Be a part of this movement for empowering women.  Start by checking out Project You.  Seriously, it was so fun to be a part of something that stretches worldwide with such a strong message.  It has touched my heart.  And my lips.  

From A New Perspective

I want to share with you some of the beauty I saw in Peru (I lived there from January to May 2010).  When visiting various ruins I would fall in love the flora and fauna that beautified each place (not that these ruins needed anything else).   Here are some ruins from a different perspective.  These photos are from Pisac, Qorikancha, and Machu Pichu all near or in the city of Cusco, Peru.

The moment one gives close attention to any thing, even a blade of grass it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.  ~Henry Miller

Hot Air Balloon Salute

Photos by Moi.

Yesterday I watched in amazement as over 25 hot air balloons danced in the sky. 

In Provo, Utah every year there is a celebration called Freedom Days around the 4th of July.  For three straight days about 25 hot-air balloons take off at about seven in the morning.  You can go early to see them inflate.  This was the first year I attended.  It was magical.  I ran around in awe with my little brother.  I think I was acting more excited than he was.  I am sure I embarrassed him.  But aren't they lovely?  

Don't Forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!!!

Interview with Shari from Little Blue Deer

Little Blue Deer was love at first site for me (get it, site?).  As soon as I looked at the design, the content, the personalized messages on each post I just knew I'd be checking this blog every day.  And I do.  "Little Blue Deer is a lifestyle, design, & inspiration source. I'm trying to live more beautifully... one day at a time", Shari Miller, the creative mind behind the blog, writes.  I wanted to know more about this unique designer so I decided to interview her and share what I found with you.  Some things I learned: she is as genuine, well spoken, as straight and to the point as I had always imagined.  She says so much in so little, which truly is a gift.  Read more to make an opinion of your own.

1.  How long have you been blogging?
I started Little Blue Deer on February 14, 2010 (it has turned out to be a Valentine's present to myself!)

2.  What got you into blogging?
I have always loved interior design and DIY, and I began poking around the blogosphere looking for inspiration for our own home.  Of course, it took about a minute for me to decide to start Little Blue Deer!

3.  Where does your inspiration come from?
I find inspiration everywhere.  My rule for blog posts is, if I don't absolutely love the image, it doesn't go up. So basically Little Blue Deer is a collection of images that touch my heart and appeal to me aesthetically.

4.  What do you do for a living?
I wish I blogged for a living!  My husband and I own a coffee shop and roasting company.  We operate it together and I am responsible for a lot of the marketing and all of the graphic design. I am a self-taught graphic artist and I freelance when I can.

5.  Do you have any goals when it comes to your blog?
See my first sentence above!  I also try to incorporate as much of my own design as possible into my blog, I think of it as somewhat of a portfolio.

Be sure to check out her exquisite blog HERE.  Also, be sure to enjoy it, because if you don't . . . that's a sure sign of insanity.

Interview with Junghwa by Amy Stewart

Today It's Simple Love has the honor of hosting an interview with fellow blogger and creator Amy from Junghwa by Amy Stewart!  This is a blog that I read daily because of it's airy-light feel and its blissful images.  Junghwa by Amy Stewart highlights creations from her etsy, fashion trends, and exerts of her life.  Amy writes about her blog, "Some of it are useful tips, some just jibber jabber".  She has her own line of jewelry and gift supplies in which she sells on her etsy.  Her hand-made creations are also sold on Brooklyn Thread, an online store.  She has only had her etsy for a mere five months and it has had huge success and has been mentioned on various blogs from Bride Blu, a wedding tip blog, to redBungalow, a fashion and beauty blogger.  Her rope bracelets were also mentioned on Luckymag.com, find the article HERE.  It is no wonder why she has huge success, just sneak on over to her blog and etsy and instantly, you'll know why.

Here are some questions and answers for a sneak peak behind the successful creator and blogger Amy Stewart and her success


1. What got you into blogging?

I used to write in journals a lot.  It helped clear my head.  Then I realized that journals could be read of parents!  So, I ended up giving it up after several years.  My sister has her own business and told me that it would be a good idea to have a blog along with my Etsy shop.  That is pretty much how I started blogging again.  Of course this time around I'm not writing about my crushes in school and how upset I am for being grounded.  I think the many years off helped me fine tune my content and style of writing.  I write how I speak.  And I love having this connection with people from all over the world.  I have great followers and I follow some amazing blogs.  It's been so fun and I hope to keep blogging for a long time.  As long as people can stand to read about my stuff!

2. What makes a successful blog in your opinion?

I wish I had a really good answer for this, but I think many attributes make for a successful blog.  The first thing is to be mindful of your content.  What you write about usually determines the type of people you will attract.  I think that including any type of fashion is helpful, since many people can relate and definitely have a sense of humor.  I also think that being a gracious blogger is also very helpful.  If people are taking the time to leave you kind words, it is nice to return the favor.  Also, be courteous.  Free speech is one thing but trying to rip bloggers apart just isn't right.  It's alright to voice your opinion but do so with thoughtful words.  And hosting giveaways doesn't hurt either. 

3. How long have you been creating jewelry and what got you into that?

I started my Etsy shop in January, because I love designing.  Since as far back as I can remember, I have been a creative person.  I've always wanted to share that with the world, but just didn't have an outlet.  Then lack of time played a huge factor.  I saw how successful my sister had become and so with her help I started my shop.  It had been a long time since I had a hobby of my own.  It feels good knowing that even one person out there likes what I do.  I'm still learning and I make mistakes, but that is part of the fun or at least that's what I keep telling myself. 

4. What is your favorite piece in your Junghwa line right now?

I'm probably suppose to say "I love all my pieces, because I think they're all wonderful."  But, actually I really love my custom linen drawstring pouches.  I have made so many of those and they turn out so lovely each and every time.  I usually make them as wedding favors or shop bags.  I custom stamp each pouch with whatever the customer wants.  I also coordinate the drawstring with the ribbon by the color the buyer chooses.  I love knowing that my hard work is being enjoyed by someone.  I would have loved to have had these at my wedding.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from people around me and also from myself.  I like to create things that I would wear or use.  It's hard to promote something if you don't believe in it.  I back all my pieces.  I look at different colors and textures around me and think about how I would like to incorporate them into my work.  That said, I get inspired by others, but I don't copy them.  I've had some trouble with people copying my pieces, but I've been taking it all in stride.  I just think about all the good things in my life and then I stop trying to dwell on the negative.  Don't dwell!

6. Any advice on how to start up your own Etsy?

I say that if you have an idea, then go for it.  You don't have anything to lose.  If it becomes successful, that's great.  If not, then start over with something new.  But do something you enjoy, because who wants to sit there creating something they hate over and over again?  Also, don't get too caught up in whether or not you've sold something that day.  You can drive yourself mad thinking about it too much.  Even the most successful shops have their downtime.  It's also a good idea to have everything ready pre-opening.  Meaning, have all your pricing, shop policies, packaging, photography, and such ready so you don't have to stress about it later.

Thank you Amy for shedding some light into your own life and in the etsy and blogging world.

Items Shown:

1. Twisty- Twisted Natural Rope Bracelet with Silver Toggle 2. I Love You Knots Bracelet 3. Custom Stamped Linen Drawstring Pouches 4. Small Thank You Coin Envelopes  5. Maddy- Little Silver Sparrow Bird Charm

Weekend Wonderment

I hope you do something out of the ordinary this weekend.  

What is that one wacky thing you've always wanted to do?

Make it an adventure and bring someone along for the ride.

My husband and I are going to a small town outside Buenos Aires.  We have no hotel and we are unsure if we'll be able to find one.  We weren't aware of the Auto Race that will be held there this weekend.  All the hotels are booked.  So here we go, a little scared and nervous.  Wish us luck!

Much love,

Rachael

Photo from {weheartit}

Weekend Wonderment

This weekend I am going to try to break away

 from the chorus and find my own voice.

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{Here}

I'm going to fly.

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Oh Me Oh My an Award!

Inspiration for the Day

A Little Bit of Sunshine for You.

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Speaking of inspiration...

 I wanted to thank 

Tamara from Memory Bean Designs 

for awarding me the

"Sunshine Award"!

It's my very first award and I am simply flabbergasted.  Who me?

I am so appreciative of the kind words spoken. 

I want to pass on the light.

Here are the 12 blogs I would like to give the “sunshine Award” to:

Congrats!

 from Sogni e Sorrisi

Mara from M Loves M 

Julia from Pennies and Pearls

Benson from Suddenly I See

Lauren from pen.ny

Patricia Snook from Tales of a Wondering Star

Jennie Smith from Rejenerate

Annie from Annie Banana

Dori from Dori the Giant

Jonesy at The Bliss-List

Hope from Hope Chella

Janis from My Suitcase Heart

Thanks for inspiring me my lovelies.

Here are the rules for accepting this award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post.

2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.

3. Link to the nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Go and Do.

Inspiration of the Day

It's a time when the flowers are a bloom.  

I took these pictures near my apartment.  

I loved the colors, I couldn't resist.

I am loving floral designs on just about everything.  

I am loving the soft delicate colors.  

I am loving neutral colors.  

I am loving navy.

Here are some of my spring finds that I hope you find inspiring.  

Swoon

$38.00 {here}

{here}

$12.99 {here}

$12.80 {here}

$26.90 {here}

$28.00 {here}

$24.00 {here}

$5.80 {here}

$3.80 {here}