Monday's Inspired Musings

Some reading and inspiration for your Monday:


Stop doing these 3 things to transform your life.  And some things you should do.

I feel like this was written directly to me, as though she had a magnifying glass and was peering into my soul through the pupils of my eyes.  Trying to please other people? Check.     Compares herself to others?  Check.  Waiting for permission from someone else?  Double check.

Really, I wanted to share this article to remind myself of the things I can start doing in order to become empowered to live the life I love and want to lead.  

The perfect meal for one. 

I couldn't agree more with this beautifully-written piece from The Kitchn.  While Brian has been away, I have found myself gravitating to the simplicity and comfort of an omelette with a glass of wine at least 2 or 3 nights a week.  Nothing else feels at once homier and yet somehow elegant, especially when done right.  My favorite variety lately has been 2 organic cage-free eggs, chevre and fresh-snipped chives from my backyard.  Sometimes, I mix it up and add sauteed mushrooms.  I enjoy roasted asparagus or a salad on the side.  Then there's my juice box of wine, poured out into a glass, for the illusion that I am fancy...or something.       

Whenever I need to be inspired I turn to the always-eloquent Danielle LaPorte (and I quote:)

You have to WANT to be inspired to be...inspired.  The desire to be inspired is a special kind of craving that's part of being self-aware.  

So many of us wait for it to light upon the crest of our minds like the blue bird of happiness, when really, we need to hunt inspiration down like empty bellied stealth birds of prey.

via

 God how I love her words.

Have a lovely Monday!

Monday's Inspired Musings

Some reading and inspiration for your Monday:


Stop doing these 3 things to transform your life.  And some things you should do.

I feel like this was written directly to me, as though she had a magnifying glass and was peering into my soul through the pupils of my eyes.  Trying to please other people? Check.     Compares herself to others?  Check.  Waiting for permission from someone else?  Double check.

Really, I wanted to share this article to remind myself of the things I can start doing in order to become empowered to live the life I love and want to lead.  

The perfect meal for one. 

I couldn't agree more with this beautifully-written piece from The Kitchn.  While Brian has been away, I have found myself gravitating to the simplicity and comfort of an omelette with a glass of wine at least 2 or 3 nights a week.  Nothing else feels at once homier and yet somehow elegant, especially when done right.  My favorite variety lately has been 2 organic cage-free eggs, chevre and fresh-snipped chives from my backyard.  Sometimes, I mix it up and add sauteed mushrooms.  I enjoy roasted asparagus or a salad on the side.  Then there's my juice box of wine, poured out into a glass, for the illusion that I am fancy...or something.       

Whenever I need to be inspired I turn to the always-eloquent Danielle LaPorte (and I quote:)

You have to WANT to be inspired to be...inspired.  The desire to be inspired is a special kind of craving that's part of being self-aware.  

So many of us wait for it to light upon the crest of our minds like the blue bird of happiness, when really, we need to hunt inspiration down like empty bellied stealth birds of prey.

via

 God how I love her words.

Have a lovely Monday!

Mid-Week Inspiration

Just because today is Wednesday.

Just because it's been raining all day here.

Just because I love lists. and things that inspire. and sharing those things with you....


Some links I've been loving lately...




I'm starting to fret just a bit about my upcoming trip to Ireland at the end of August:  The logistics of driving in a foreign country.  Hoping the B&Bs we picked are charming but not too quaint.  What to pack?!?

 source

This image is my inspiration for the trip, and on my list of items to buy:  folding wellies like these, double-breasted trench coat such as this (swoon), big purse to hold necessary items (travel guide, passport/identification/important documents, snacks, etc.)



Seriously, can we talk about these Brownie Cookies with Salted Caramel Cream Filling from Bakers Royale for just a minute.....

source+ recipe

...they look like a dream come true.  And also like cellulite...but I think I could be OK with that for just one little bite....

source + tutorial

I want, no, need, to make these friendship bracelets.  It's summer time.  Summer camp is happening across the country.  I might not be there (hellooo, and welcome to life at 28) but if I made these bracelets it could be like I was there again....except without the scary daddy longlegs and corn dogs....



All of a sudden I am obsessed with iced coffee.  I never used to even like it (at least, that's what I kept telling myself).   Now, it's all I can think about and this recipe from Hungry Girl Por Vida looks perfect.  Must make ASAP, Starbucks you have gotten enough of my cash in the last two weeks...it's time I get on top of this at home.

source + recipe

Ever since my visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art when I was in Maryland a few weeks ago, I have been so inspired by Henri Matisse.  I don't think I ever realized it before then, but I absolutely swoon for his use of bright colors and contrasting patterns. The following three were my absolute favorites in the gallery.... 

Henri Matisse.  Interior with Dog. 1934

Henri Matisse.  Anemones and Chinese Vase. 1922

Henri Matisse.  Purple Robe and Anemones.  1937

If you live in Maryland, please do yourself a favor and check out the museum.  Oh, and did I mention admission is free!

This recipe for homemade Margherita pizza from The Kitchn has me craving it in the absolute worst way.  It looks so gosh darn simple, too...if only I had some mozzarella cheese....

source + recipe

I am loving the idea of wearing a turban on my head.  Random, perhaps.  But there is just something so classy, so elegant, so unexpected about the turban.  It's like the perfect accessory for the summer - keeps your hair back, adds a pop of color and feels carefree.  Now I just need the perfect silk scarf, this one perhaps?

source

source

I think most people (myself included) probably need to be reminded of this every once in a while. 

source

And finally, this is just beautiful and I felt that it should be shared.  Just wow.

source

How do you find inspiration to get you through the week?!  Do share, I'd love to know!

Mid-Week Inspiration

Just because today is Wednesday.

Just because it's been raining all day here.

Just because I love lists. and things that inspire. and sharing those things with you....


Some links I've been loving lately...




I'm starting to fret just a bit about my upcoming trip to Ireland at the end of August:  The logistics of driving in a foreign country.  Hoping the B&Bs we picked are charming but not too quaint.  What to pack?!?

 source

This image is my inspiration for the trip, and on my list of items to buy:  folding wellies like these, double-breasted trench coat such as this (swoon), big purse to hold necessary items (travel guide, passport/identification/important documents, snacks, etc.)



Seriously, can we talk about these Brownie Cookies with Salted Caramel Cream Filling from Bakers Royale for just a minute.....

source+ recipe

...they look like a dream come true.  And also like cellulite...but I think I could be OK with that for just one little bite....

source + tutorial

I want, no, need, to make these friendship bracelets.  It's summer time.  Summer camp is happening across the country.  I might not be there (hellooo, and welcome to life at 28) but if I made these bracelets it could be like I was there again....except without the scary daddy longlegs and corn dogs....



All of a sudden I am obsessed with iced coffee.  I never used to even like it (at least, that's what I kept telling myself).   Now, it's all I can think about and this recipe from Hungry Girl Por Vida looks perfect.  Must make ASAP, Starbucks you have gotten enough of my cash in the last two weeks...it's time I get on top of this at home.

source + recipe

Ever since my visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art when I was in Maryland a few weeks ago, I have been so inspired by Henri Matisse.  I don't think I ever realized it before then, but I absolutely swoon for his use of bright colors and contrasting patterns. The following three were my absolute favorites in the gallery.... 

Henri Matisse.  Interior with Dog. 1934

Henri Matisse.  Anemones and Chinese Vase. 1922

Henri Matisse.  Purple Robe and Anemones.  1937

If you live in Maryland, please do yourself a favor and check out the museum.  Oh, and did I mention admission is free!

This recipe for homemade Margherita pizza from The Kitchn has me craving it in the absolute worst way.  It looks so gosh darn simple, too...if only I had some mozzarella cheese....

source + recipe

I am loving the idea of wearing a turban on my head.  Random, perhaps.  But there is just something so classy, so elegant, so unexpected about the turban.  It's like the perfect accessory for the summer - keeps your hair back, adds a pop of color and feels carefree.  Now I just need the perfect silk scarf, this one perhaps?

source

source

I think most people (myself included) probably need to be reminded of this every once in a while. 

source

And finally, this is just beautiful and I felt that it should be shared.  Just wow.

source

How do you find inspiration to get you through the week?!  Do share, I'd love to know!