Wish List: Target, home decor

My dream one day is to have my own apartment and decorate it the way I want & I have a feeling Target is going to help me with this dream. I go into my local Target about 3-4 times a week, it's a bad habit to get into but it also takes the place of a grocery store as well so...a girls gotta eat right? Of course I'm not going there just for the food; that would defeat the purpose of going to Target in the first place. I feel like everyone I have ever talked to that has walked into one all have the same issue. You go in just needed some shampoo or a tooth brush but end up spending WAY more then you intended, it's the best problem to have.

Anyway, I'm obsessed with their furniture line because it is all kinds of preppy and nautical. My style all the way and it's definitely the way I would LOVE to decorate my california apartment.

Here is a little wish list of items that I would love to own someday. 

1.  Custom Upholstered Armless Settee: I love the clean linen look and this color is definitely I could use a variety of colors with if I ever decided to change my color scheme. Throw some pillows on there and wa-la! (side note: my mother and I have a problem with throw pillows. We're always finding ones that we want to buy or ones that we want to make!)

2. Threshold Kilim Square Pouf: Back with the Navy Blue and White. I can't get enough of it. This would be the perfect little ottoman or floor pillow for extra seating if I were to have people over.  It's a classic cotton material and it would look and go perfectly with the sofa. 

3. X-Base Ottoman: The color. The white pipping on the edges. I don't know what's better! The perfect pop of color to add to any navy and white decor. If you are living in a small space, this would be the perfect little table/ottoman to put a couple coffee table books on or a tray with a nice smelling candle. 

What does your dream apartment look like? Or if you have your own place, does your apartment reflect your style in anyway?                                                                            

Goals: Office/Studio

One of my top goals in life is to have an office/studio in my home or apartment. I dream of it having my camera equipment in one corner with my computer, possibly some studio lights, and of course my camera. On the other side of the room I want it to be my sewing corner. I can have a huge table top to spread my fabric on, multiple sewing machines(one for sewing & the other for embroidery). All my fabric(custom made of course) would be tucked neatly on shelves and of course color coded...hello OCD.

I've been keeping a board on Pinterest for a while now of possible office and studio spaces and I can't get over how amazing they are; each one of them is perfect in their own unique way. 

For a smaller space, without the studio of course. I could definitely see myself working out of here and when I'm done working for the day, I can shut the doors and keep all the goodies inside.

Organization is key for me and something that serves the purpose but also looks neat and tidy. I'm a huge fan of those white boxes with the label holders on them.

yes. yes. YES! The clean colors and the tidy shelves is absolutely what I would want for a studio area...and of course a window looking out into the ocean. I mean, I guess it doesn't have to be an ocean but a girl can dream right? 

organization at it's finest.

Ignore the horrible colored floor and center yourself to all the shelves displaying the fabric. If this shelving was in the clean and brightly lit room, I would never come out of there. 

Do you know of any amazing offices or studios that hope to be yours one day!? Please share them with me, I would love to hear and see them!

Extra! Extra! Lilly Planners!

All throughout college I used the Lilly Planners and loved them to bits. I used them for just about everything that I had on my plate at the time. Whether it be a school assignment, something with both of my little businesses, or plans with friends and family....I wrote it down.  Now after college I started using the Russell + Hazel organizers which are wonderful and everything but they don't don't compete to the pop of color and fun patterns that Lilly Pulitzer has on hers. 

The 2014-2015 planners are now for sale for pre-order! I think I might have to get the Jellies Be Jammin' because the colors are perfect and I just love jellyfish! I would definitely order the large as well, it fits everything perfectly. 

Life: Fundraising & Investing

My inspiration for this post actually comes from Tory Burch's Commencement speech that she gave to Babson College. Babson is an entrepreneur focused school in Babson Park, Massachusetts that believes "entrepreneurship is applicable and crucial." Tory talks about building a business and how it just doesn't grow over night.  She quotes Biz Stone, a founder of Twitter that states, “Timing, perseverance, and 10 years of really hard work will eventually make you look like an overnight success.”  There are many steps to create a business and one must be very patient and willing to work throughout the night or be awake for a business call at 3 or 4 am with Hong Kong. As hard as this may be, I do need to take her wording seriously because I can sometimes be the most impatient person ever, thank you Virgo, and be patient. Good things will come to those who wait, but work extremely hard to get to where they want to be in life. 

That brings me to this.

Besides working in Disneyland I also have, Chesapeake Tides. It's a little business that I started in March of 2012 that is inspired by the Chesapeake Bay; I create and sell bow ties, hair bows, nautical flag bags, and monogram upon request.  It's gone pretty far from weddings, to custom made fabric...my Maryland Flag Bow Tie is one of my best sellers, to last summer getting into my first shop. All those achievements are wonderful and I'm so proud of myself for getting there but I want it to grow more; there is so much that I believe the company go and grow that I'm not going to stop until I make my dreams come true and make them a reality. 

One of the ways Tory started out, besides having a few jobs already in the fashion industry, was fundraising and others investing in her company. To those who were investing, she told them right off that they may not be getting their money back and to "only invest if you're prepared to lose it." Reading that now, it's kind of scary to think about but look at her now. She is a brilliant designer with classic items that will never go out of style so of course I have to trust her opinion and experience. 

Which brings me to this,  I love getting feed back about my business because it means the world to me so....

What are some ways that would be a way to promote Chesapeake Tides? Any fundraising ideas? Product ideas? 

Movie: Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins is the first movie I remember watching when I little. I used to have my mother rewind Poppins over and over again, until the VHS tape(ahhh 90s kid) had given up and she had to buy a new one...sorry Mom.

I forget what made me fall in love with the movie at such a young age; it could have possibly been the music or it could be that I always dreamed of having a nanny fly through the air and take me on an adventure through a chalk painting and dance around with penguins. What ever it was, I'm still forever in love with the movie. Now what makes me love the movie is most definitely the music but more importantly, Julie Andrews. It was 10 years ago with the 40th Anniversary of the movie came out and I received it for Christmas, I think I watch it every. single. day. of my winter break that year and again...had to purchase another DVD.

You can say I'm obsessed with the movie and if you have never seen it...purchase it right now. I'm serious. GO!

The Sherman Brothers, Julie Andrews, and Dick Van Dyke

What a perfect group of song writers, actors, and vocalists. 

Have you ever watched/seen Mary Poppins and are completely in love with it as much as I am?! 

What is your favorite part?!

Wish List: Madewell

I have recently become a HUGE fan of Madewell after purchasing my first pair of new jeans in 5 years. I figured it was a good time to wiggle my way into a pair of jeans; I wanted something a little more casual and loose fitting for comfort since I already own a couple pairs of slimmer jeans. When I got home I didn't even notice that they had stuck a $20 off your next pair of jeans...that means I have to go back, right?

1. skinny skinny crop jeans in pure white: I've always wanted a pair of white jeans so why not try these on, right? plus for $20 off, heck yes! The perfect little add on to my summer wardrobe. 

2. fairsky tunic dress: in LOVE with this super breezy dress. & the color?! hello, NEED! 

3. the transport tote: The beyond perfect bag to throw your laptop in and go to your favorite little coffee shop or a towel and sunscreen to go to the beach, the options are endless! Best part about it? You can add a monogram to it!!!!! 

4. slide sightseer sandal: I'm in love with sandals, especially leather sandals, even more this color! The form of the straps are perfection and I love how easy they look to just slip on and go!

5. d'Orsay Flat: The word I would describe this shoe is simply perfect. The lines of the shoes are slimming, the color is neutral so they would go with just about anything, and the leather will last forever. 

Anyone else LOVING Madewell at the moment?!

Goals: Apartment

My ultimate goal in life is to find a job that I could see myself for a very long time. I would be happy doing what I'm doing and that's all that really matters, right? Second on the goal list is, finding an apartment and being able to have it all on my own. Not saying that I'm not liking living with others because I do, it's nice coming home at night and having people to talk to or having a game night. I think I would miss that.

I'm not looking for a house or even a one bedroom apartment, even though that would be nice. I'm just dreaming of a cozy little studio that's decorated the way I wan & I can watch movies that make me ball my eyes out, without anyone watching(I really don't like crying in front of people. tis embarrassing) Just having a small space where I know I will keep it clean because it is small and if I don't clean it well, good luck moving around in it.

Pinterest is my go to, to find inspiration; I have a "home" board that I resort to often that makes me giddy inside knowing that someday I will have a place like these.

The first few photos are from the same little studio that I'm just madly in love with! 

It's so clean and fresh!

Because it's such a small area, storage in any possible way is going to be rare, unless you have a under the bed drawer system which is a major NEED!

That teal accent wall is divine! I'm also kind of loving the room separator curtains. Definitely something to keep in mind when living in a studio. 

So remember how I said storage is kind of "not a thing" in studios? Yes well, this unit would definitely be my go to piece. I have been eye balling it ever since I saw this post....here. It's from Ikea and it's definitely the most efficient ways to store items. There are also baskets that you can purchase to store items that you may not want to be seen on display as well. As for the empty see threw spots, I have been collecting art and other coffee table books for the past three years that would look lovely displayed for everyone to see. 

Do you have any dream apartments or studios that you just love? Please share them with me! I would love to take a look-see:)

Extra! Extra!: Chesapeake Tides

Some of you know if you are personally friends with me on Facebook or have found me through the grape vine of Etsy that I create, sew, and sell items that are inspired by the Chesapeake Bay. It all started with bow ties and now it's grown to a few other items as well.

Maryland Flag Bow Tie

This is one of my most popular items and sellers. As a Marylander, I must say we are very very VERY much in love with our state flag. Anything we can get our hands on with the flag, we pretty much own in.

Maryland Flag Hair Bow

Another very popular item with a lot of the college age girls in Maryland....especially in College Park, Home of the Terps!

Maryland Flag Pocket T-Shirt

These shirts flew off the shelves. I made a few of them to see how they would do and WOW, everyone loves them and I can't wait to create some more. I believe there is only a medium and large left in stock!

Multi Color Seersucker Bow Tie

Seersucker is such a classic material that can me created into a number of different clothing and accessory items. This multi colored tie is perfect for spring and summer and did I mention it's reversible?! 

Hooray for the Red White and Blue Bow Tie

There isn't an American out there that doesn't like to sport the American Flag. We love that flag and we're so proud of it! 

Monogramed Coasters

If it isn't moving, monogram it. I received an embroidery machine for my graduation gift from college last year from my grandparents and I have used it to death! I love monograming any chance I can get with anything I can get my hands on so if you have anything that you want monogramed, hand it over to me! 

Monogram Add On

Speaking of monograms, I now have the option to add on a bow tie or hair bow. You can choose for it to be on the bow it's self or the strap that tucks under the shirt collar. 

Blue Polka Dots with Lilly Pulitzer, White Fallin in Love Cosmetic Bag

I fell in love with Lilly Pulitzer my Junior year of High School when I wore one of her dresses to my Junior Prom. Since then, I have become obsessed! There was a little shop on Etsy at the time I purchased this fabric that sold some of the Lilly Pulitzer patterns so I decided to snatch some up! This bag is currently on sale and it's the last one so get it before it's too late!

Nautical Flag Bags

These bags are my newest edition to Chesapeake Tides. They are 100% custom made by me which means that they may take a little bit longer to get to your door BUT they are totally worth it, trust me. The idea for them sparked a few months ago when I was back home in Maryland visiting some friends and family. I had gone down to the city dock of Annapolis where some people keep there boats tied up on the pier. Looking around at some of the sail boats, I noticed how they have these flags tied up on some of their sails. I have seen in before because the flags are such a nautical staple anywhere along any coastal town; that's when the idea sparked. Any preppy or nautical person loves sporting these flags on different types of accessories and clothing, so why not create a cross body bag that symbolizes a first or last letter of your name?! 

I have sold a few and might possibly take some in to a few stores in some towns in California to see if I can start selling them there as well. 

Chesapeake Tides is my pride and joy. It's not only a little business but also something that I truly love doing. Please check out my other blog that is focused just on Chesapeake Tides and see what new products are coming your way and what specials I am currently running! 

Chesapeake Tides on Etsy!

Adventure: England

In the Summer of 2013 my mother and I hopped the pond over to England. To say that it was the best trip I have ever taken would be an understatement. There wasn't one thing about England that I didn't like; the people, food(yes, you can find amazing food in England), the city, the country, the parks, transportation, and so much more. The fact that any restaurant has some kind of amazing tea(besides the pubs) at any given moment, makes my heart so happy; the tiny sandwiches, the adorable desserts, and the fact that putting cream into your tea is all right by me!

I saw so many fantastic sites while in England and I couldn't thank my mother more for giving me the gift of travel. Traveling is a gift and it's the most precious gift anyone could ever give me.

::caution: photo over load::

Another reason England is so grand and beautiful is because of the amount of history that comes from it.  We went to Canterbury one day and wow. Just wow. The city's castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1070, seriously mind blowing that something in this world could be so old. There were parts of the castle that you could still walk around in and you could just feel the energy from the stone walls. 

One of my goals and bucket list items is to go back and explore other parts of England and possibly parts of Europe too. 

Have you ever been to England? What was your favorite spot to see??

besides all the cute guys with accents;)

Life: Painting, oyster

It's been a while since I've picked up a paint brush, about 2 1/2 years. I took my last painting class my junior year of college and the professor was, to put this nicely, not the nicest of people. This kind of ruined painting for me for a while....until now! 

Before I took my first official painting class I had always used acrylics, but we were required to use oil. Such a BIG change. Who knew there would be so many different types of chemicals and liquids to help the oil paint move smoothly, dry faster(it's not the fastest drying paint), or to get the paint out of the brushes. The first time I heard all this, it was kind of overwhelming...until now. I know what chemicals I like to use and not use. Liquid is my very best friend. 

I got a few canvases from Michael's crafts and got right to work on sketching out an oyster. I love oysters; whether it be eating them or decorating with them, they are the perfect nautical touch.

I can't wait to start painting more and hopefully/possibly start selling them in a shop on Etsy. This is also one of the goals that I will have on my "101 things for 1001 days" list. 

If you have any pointers on painting or techniques, I would love the feedback! 

Movie: Pride and Prejudice

Oh, that Mr Darcy....

I just watched Pride and Prejudice for the millionth time and can I just say that it's a beyond beautiful movie that one can never get tired of watching? 

I hope everyone is enjoying this beyond beautiful weather today...both on the East and West Coast!

Get out there and enjoy. 

101 in 1001

So I have decided to start a 101 in 1001 list. Design Darling has inspired me to create one. If anyone hasn't checked out her blog and adorable boutique, go check it out right now.

Anyway, within the next week I will have a special tab right below my title with my list of 101 in 1001.

Let's just say that it will consist of some adventures, trying new places to eat, and a few other surprises.

Wish List: Design Darling

So I've been seriously loving everything navy blue and white! Whether it is clothing, accessories, or home decor, I'm loving the color navy. Navy or Nothing! Here are some items that I have my eyes on in the Design Darling boutique.

1. Scalloped Desk Organizer : navy and scallops all together in one?! what could be better!? I've been looking for something to organize my desk/sewing table & think this is just the piece I want/need, for my growing love for navy.

2. Striped Tennis Racquet: I have never actually played tennis before BUT I wanted to back in high school so I do in fact have a tennis racquet...with a Vera Bradley cover. Yeah, totally not my style any longer so why not switch out the old and in with this super preppy and nautical looking cover! 

3. Navy Trellis Throw: perfect for the bed, beach, or sofa. The possibilities are endless and I'm all for being cozy at any given time! 

4. Color Block Wallet: The wallet I currently have, I'm still madly in love with but why not have another for a little change every once in a while. This navy and white color block wallet is perfect and may even be suitable for a night out. 

Extra! Extra! Heat Index 2

Today in Southern California, it is 107 degrees. Who decided that this was acceptable weather for Southern California when it's "supposed to"  or  "known for" weather in the 70s and 80s. Yeah, they didn't tell you the truth, well they didn't tell me anyway that it would get to over 100degrees. Luckily I'm off work today and I get to enjoy the air conditioning in the comfort of my apartment.

To keep myself busy on days off, I'm always trying to think of new ideas and new projects to work on. I'm usually successful and I can sometimes get a lot done...unless I spend the whole day laying in bed watching Friends. That's what my day consisted of yesterday. It was a low point in my life because I'm usually always going and never stopping.

I bought oil paints last week so I've been painting any chance I can get.

"mais oui!"

I've become addicted to typography so this is my first go at it. I really want to save up and get a nice printer so I can also start creating prints...wish list possibly? I'm pretty happy on how it turned out and I can't wait to create more. 

It's apparently cherry season in California!

For my other job, I had some products to ship out today and it so happened to be that there was a farmers market across the street from the post office. I purchased some cherries...because they just looked too good to pass up....and some yellow peaches. Super yum! I'm kind of picky when it comes to peaches because going to school in Georgia for a couple years and being so close to the Eastern Shore in Maryland, a girl gets picky BUT these were up to par and I can't wait to sink my teeth into them! 

Any Southern Californians out there trying to survive in this heat? Stay hydrated everyone and get out of the sun as much as possible. 

Goals: Keep Moving Forward

Since my senior year of college, I have become pretty obsessed with old photographs, newspapers, and any other type of archival pieces. It all started when I took a history of photography class in college; my professor was "on loan" from the Smithsonian to teach the class. I have never wanted to take a class over again but this class made me want to because I loved it so much! I feel like I actually learned something that I actually wanted to learn and know more about.
Going to art school it is required to take a couple art history classes; they were wonderful and everything but they never spent too much time on photography or they didn't teach anything about the art. So this class opened up my eyes to a all new form of photography and where it started and who thought up this fantastic piece of art that so many people use today in their day to day lives.

Where I hope to someday get in my life is the Disney Archives. Can you imagine working with photographs and old pieces of disney history that started the Walt Disney Company from the beginning?! I can't even describe how amazingly happy that would make me.

I was working at a certain location the other day where I could see the Partners statue. As cheesy as it sounds, I got teary eyed. Dang it, Walt! This man had so many dreams and goals that he accomplished in his life time and now he has a team of people that are continuing to live out his dream for him. I play a small part in that dream because I am helping create the magic that he wanted all cast members to accomplish for years to come. 

This step of my life with the Walt Disney Company is just a small stepping stone. It may be hard because of obstacles that stand in the way for long periods of time but that's helping me grow stronger as a person and cast member to get me where I want to be in my life with this amazing company. 

Adventure: Hearst Castle

Earlier this week a friend that's in LA for work contacted me asking if I wanted to check out Hearst Castle on Saturday. I've heard of it a few times through word of mouth but never actually looked up the history of the castle or who William Randolph Hearst was(it was kind of embarrassing); we looked up a quick history of both so we wouldn't be totally lost.

The castle was built on a ranch in San Simeon, California...about 4 hours north of LA...when Hearst had aged and was "tired" of camping in tents on the land that looked over the Pacific Ocean. He thought of a place of grand scale and endless possibilities. Seriously, anything he wanted, he got. Hearst also changed his mind a ridiculous amount of times that it took about 28 years for the castle to be "complete" before he passed about in 1951.

The landscaping and gardens that surround the castle are extraordinarily beautiful. 

There are many tours that you can take to explore the rooms and ground of the castle. We decided to take the Upstairs Rooms tour. It was fantastic. It showed us a couple libraries, Hearst's office, a few bedrooms(the closets were a dream), the gardens, and the pools(both indoor and out).

One of the many libraries.

The ceilings in most of the rooms(if not all) were all painted wood ceilings from churches in Italy. Who knew it could be possible to do such a thing?!

Hearst's Office

Very European.

The mosaic as the top of both of a bell towers really made the blue sky and while stone pop. 

Those palm trees though. 

The bright colored flowers, the golden touches, and the Pacific Ocean. What a perfect place to live.

Gotcha! 

The indoor pool. Has anyone ever seen the movie Annie, where they go swimming in Daddy Warbucks indoor pool? Yeah, this totally reminded me of that pool. 

The blue and gold combination was beyond perfection.

On the way back to LA we stopped at a beach where we noticed some kite surfers. They were so impressive and it makes me want to start some surfing lessons. Who wants to teach me?!

Windblown.

We had some much fun on this adventure that we can't wait to start planning our next one. We are either thinking San Diego or Las Vegas...I have never been to Las Vegas and I feel like I need to experience it once in my life time. I'll probably be stuck at the penny slots and quarter slots because I can't play any card games to save my life. 

Do you have any ideas on where we should adventure to next?!