(un)common: what will make you different?

“You have to be tougher. You have to learn the way to beat your path through, to make yourself felt, and make yourself necessary.”  

 - Grace Coddington

Mark Cuban spent 7 years developing his first business idea.

Steve Jobs started the largest technology company in his parents garage.

The founder of second cup was once a panhandler on Toronto streets, homeless. 

Jay-Z sold CD's from his car and lived in one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Brooklyn.

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"Everyone tells you how they're going to be "special", but few do the work to get there. Do the work."

- Mark Cuban

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Don't trade in what you want for yourself in the future for what you want now. Create opportunities. Don't get comfortable because it's easy. Don't cry when things get hard. 

What I'm pondering on today.

Sam

(un)Acheivable: Do what you love

 

(shamless puppy picture...Tucker is the best brother I never had growing up)

I know a lot of my friends and loved ones have been asking me "where I've been lately". I thought I'd take some time to shed some light on my current situation!

I wish I could find the words to describe passion, but the best way I can put it is this:

Getting so incredibly stoked about an idea or a project, that when I close my eyes my stomach does flip flops. I internally have a dance party to Da Rude's Sandstorm. It's like being on a sugar high of some sort of skittles/pop rocks/fun dip/nerds concoction.  Basically it's the kind of excited that has me jumping on my couch circa Tom-Cruise-on-Oprah.

(What do you mean this isn't the Websters definition of "passion"? Am I the only one who is comfortable using Tom Cruise in a comparison? Oh...)

This last month I've been having the above feelings more frequently then not, and I think this is how I've come to realize that business is my passion. I could say I've been fairly lucky, but I'm starting to believe recently that there isn't such thing as "luck". Luck actually looks a lot like putting overtime in at work, thinking and reflecting 24/7, and finding yourself in odd situations that somehow lead to creative opportunities. However it's happened, I've found myself in a pretty great place. Business is booming. Literally!

Granted, at first I was very nervous. This meant choosing a lifestyle: one that left little free time, no weekends, no "lazing around". Less partying (& I have been known to love a good party). A lifestyle I saw my parents choose and never quite understood.

I always saw others and thought: so-and-so is so musically talented, good at math, excelling at sports. You get the idea: I think we've all felt that way before. There's so much out there. I guess sometimes you have to try a few things before you find what you're meant to do.

It's sad because I don't believe enough people go out and find (or are given the opportunity) to find something they're truly passionate about. With having so many social anxieties in high school, there isn't really much opportunity to learn who you "are" until after you're out in the real world! And even then, there is so much pressure to choose a university and a career path by the age of 17 that how is anyone supposed to find that thing that they're meant to do?

Anyways: Lots of big ideas, lots of inspirational people, lots of work to be done - but I've definitely found that when you have the passion, the work comes secondary.

 (always leaving time to be with my little family & enjoying what little relaxing time I do have!)

Sam

(september) is the new (october)

 

Hello, Kate!

Today I'm happy because...

- the chilly weather means snuggling under all of my blankets, watching Orange is the New Black and ordering pho soup for takeout (mmm)
- All of the e-courses from A Beautiful Mess are on sale 25% off (how am I supposed to choose just one!?)
- I took a leap of faith and mixed my love for scrapbooking with my love for collaging (pictures to come!)
- You can order 6 issues of Vogue for $6 here (seriously.)
- I'm reading a book that I'm prematurely declaring the next Harry Potter - the cover also glows in the dark (!!)
- Jeff has begun taking out his camera again and he really has a knack for it. I love watching him do something he loves.

I'm only 17 days late to the season, but Happy September. I've come to terms that September is the new October. As in, I am okay with the fact that we will not be getting anymore 30 degree days as we've had in past Septembers. Chilly weather prevails - I'm ready to embrace fall now! Well, fall sweaters anyways.

Sam

weekly (un)wind: goodbye, summer

(a beautiful august wedding)

I know I sound like someone that should be quoted on shit girls say, but this summer has gone by so quickly.

Summer has always been my favorite season. My worst nightmare is bulky clothing and itchy sweaters. I should really move somewhere that's hot year round. I was hoping for an Indian summer that lasted until late September, but the weather lately has been the complete opposite!

I'll always remember this summer as a season that stretched me to my limits, work-wise. Even though I can place a lot of pressure and be very hard on myself, I love to see my personal growth. 
                  

(date nights w/ jeff, boat rides & a brand new book from my favorite bloggers) 

 

Outside of work, I am so happy I had the opportunity this summer to take a getaway to Toronto, see a couple amazing concerts, spend the day at a cottage with some of my closest friends, and have endless valencia oranges at Starbucks with Jeff.

 

(beach reads)

A perfect summer wedding, decorating my place in bright pops of colour, eating my weight (and maybe more..) in sushi, reading a few great (and not-so-great) books, "blurred lines", and my new tattoo will always remind me of summer 2013.

Jeff loves fall, and I have to say that I'm excited to have nice hair again - ugh, humidity. Ever since I've been out of school, I still see the start of September as a time for getting back to routine.

                        (project life - my new scrapbook! having fun remembering the details from the last few months.)

One of my best friends was talking about her personal goals now that she's finished university. I place a lot of focus on my work, and I would like to find a better work/life balance and achieve some of my personal goals. Some are silly, and some are things that have been on my list for a long time. Maybe one day I'll share them here!

Coming from someone that has never been able to keep a personal agenda for more then a month, I really want a way to keep myself motivated. This seems easy enough - make a concrete list, cross it off when something gets done. We'll see how I do!

What's on your list of "goals" this fall? 

Sam

(un)Informed: Where do we get our knowledge from?

Recently, I had a talk with Jeff about my general "knowledge" about the world (hint, taking geography in french during high school was NOT of benefit to me long-term...)

I told him I felt frustrated because I didn't "understand" some of the issues that were taking place globally. I felt left out during conversations because I wasn't informed. I blamed it on the fact that I wasn't in school, that I'd skipped out on a good, well rounded, university education.

While I was having this pity party for myself, Jeff gave me some fantastic advice. Teach yourself.

Jeff has been out of university for years, yet is always up to date on the latest news. From celeb gossip to political issues, he knows all the details. I tell everyone Jeff is "the smartest person I know", that it comes naturally. 

Then I started watching him more closely. Jeff wakes up every morning at the same time. He doesn't hit snooze. He has a shower and ACTUALLY leaves himself enough time before work to have a coffee and read the news on his computer. We'll be watching a TV show, and while I'm absolutely consumed in the drama, every once in awhile I'll catch Jeff glancing down reading an article (news, sports, you write it and he reads it). He subscribes to national geographic. Jeff has been self-educating himself for years and it has nothing to do with the fact that he has a university degree.

I've come to realize lately that a lot of the things that I believed were just my character flaws - things I believed were too late for me to learn, things that I had settled for and made excuses for - are things that I can pro-actively change. And it was that simple - teach yourself. We have the knowledge at our fingertips.

I'm so guilty for checking my phone every time I get a break - instagram, twitter, facebook, vine, pinterest - I'm social media addicted. In the amount of time I refresh the pages and absorb useless information about what my acquaintance had for lunch, I could have learned a language and read a bookshelf of novels. 

I'm someone that believes in balance (like I'm going to give up my social media altogether though - funny joke!), so instead I agreed that I would try to check it all at once - in the morning or at night. The same information will be there and it will consume less of my time.

I resolved to study up on things I'm interested in. I've started with just basic 'wiki' knowledge, and I usually get lost from there. The hours I'd spend looking at cute puppies and hairstyles on Pinterest is fun, but I'm really loving being "in the know". I like reading both sides of the issue at hand and being able to form my own opinion.

I've subscribed to "The Skimm", an e-mail which comes to my inbox every morning that simplifies the headlines, puts the news in simple terms, and covers an array of subjects. It has easily become one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. I've found myself able to reference and talk about what I've read with my customers, colleagues, family and friends nearly every day since I started subscribing.

Maybe this is just a revelation to me, but I know that I'm not the only one that uses the internet strictly to look at these Micheal Kors Oxfords and re-watch Miley Cyrus on repeat from the VMA's. I've really learned to love the time that I've taken to open up my eyes and see what the internet can really be used for. The information and tools at our fingertips is pretty amazing if you just go looking for it.

Sam

(quoteables): The Quest

 

“The real truth is I probably don’t want to be too happy or content because, then what? I actually like the quest, the search. That’s the fun. The more lost you are the more you have to look forward to. So what do you know? I’m having a great time and I don’t even know it.” -Ally McBeal

 
Although life feels crazy at times, I can't say it isn't fun!

Happy Friday!

Books (not) to Read in 2013

About a month ago, I wrote my first book related post. I talked about my love for books, and wanting to share what I've been reading: novels that  create conversation, or novels that others may find relatable.

So, I can't help but be disappointed when I'm reading a book that is so blah. Poor plot, no character development, drawn out story line.

Opinions always differ when it comes to what makes a "good book", and that's one of the things I love about reading. However, there is a time and place for a critique. There are so many books out there, that I see it as my job to save others from reading a lesser quality novel!

Not to say I don't love a trashy novel here and there (Hello, Nicholas Sparks), but my last book was not a winner. 

It's been almost 10 years since the original came out, and I was (and still am!) completely obsessed with The Devil Wears Prada. To me, it was the perfect mix: high fashion, extravagant parties, relateable characters, fun drama. Everything I look for in a beach read!

I bought Revenge Wears Prada the day it was released. It's taken me nearly a month to get through it: which is obscene for me, especially for an easy read like this!

I can't describe how disappointed I was with this book. My beloved characters felt lost and had little direction. Andy has conformed to high society and become downright unlikeable, each chapter revolving around her ridiculous first-world-problems. Miranda was essentially void from the entire book (How could this be? She is arguably the best villain ever written!). The subjects they touched on were not only boring, but silly.

I waited the entire book for something to happen, and - spoiler alert - it was a total snoozefest. I give it 2/5 stars solely on the fact that I needed to know how the story ended. 

The anticipation I had for this sequel ultimately led to disappointment (and from other reviews I've read, I'm not the only one). Seemed like the author may have been looking to "cash in" on the franchise, as the story came off as forced and desperate. 

 Lesson: Sequels rarely measure up to the original (Harry Potter as a sole exception...)

With my next book, I definitely need something that will be a bit more mentally challenging. Hopefully I'll be back with renewed faith & a more positive review!

Happy Thursday!

weekly (un)wind: forever young

 

Above from the top: (1) Family time (2) Bestie birthday party celebrations (3) Jeff's sister makes beautiful cakes (and cupcakes) in the Ottawa area! (4) Patio time. Yum!

Jeff left for Vancouver last Monday morning, and it's definitely been a learning curve for me. I'm far from being the perfect housewife! Cooking and cleaning tumble to a more permanent spot at the bottom of the to-do list more often than not. When Jeff left, all of a sudden my shortcomings became a bit more noticeable. Never having lived alone, I'm appreciating some independence to learn to do things for myself. He gets back later this week (5 more days babe!), and we're very excited to have August to catch up and enjoy the rest of the summer.

I had the opportunity to do a 36 hour getaway to Toronto last week to see Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake at the Rogers Center. During the encore, they performed "Forever Young": I was with a girlfriend, sweating and smiling and singing out "forever young/I want to be forever young" and so were 35 000 of my closest friends. I love when you have a moment you know you're going to remember for the rest of your life. That was definitely one of them!

Recently I've learned that no money in the world, no material item, can replace a moment or a memory. Going forward my "fun" money is much better invested in experiences. So much more meaningful!

This past week I've been brainstorming and planning like crazy for a big project I've been working on. I feel like I always have multiple projects on the go, but I love to be busy. Taking a leap of faith is scary, and so is hard work, but I feel ready.

That's my weekly update! I am loving the scorching hot weather and am looking forward to sitting by the pool and spending time with Jeff's nieces and nephew this upcoming weekend.

To give me time to produce a fantastic list, I've decided to include links with my weekly unwind only once a month. Below are my links for July!

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- 5 ways to make some extra money (!)
- A conversation about scrapbooking: also, this unconvential approach to scrapbooking. One of my new favorite hobbies!
-  Passion projects: what are they, and why should you have one?
- What should I read next?
- A roof with a view - Rooftop bars around the world 
- The joy of making physical things
- Adorable summer prints
- Watch the first Instagram video trailer
- Summer recipes: fish taco bowls & lobster and potato salad
- Not sure how I feel about this project yet
- Check out this preview of the new Marc Jacobs beauty collection for Sephora
- Turn any quote into a masterpiece
- This charming short film made my day
- It's hard to resist temptation: an engaging article about willpower 

And this month I'm coveting..

- this adorable necklace
- this popsicle coin purse & these matching earrings
- these cute and colourful tea towels
- my home needs this cheeky doormat

Happy Thursday!

weekly (un)wind: I Believe in Maniacs

This is what I woke up to this morning. Jeff made me my favorite meal (Who am I kidding? Every meal is my favorite meal!) and served it to me on our patio! Spending time on the patio with Jeff is one of my favorite summer "day off" activities. I wish we had the opportunity to do it more often.

Jeff is leaving on Sunday to do some traveling for work. Being together for 4 and a bit years, this will be our longest time spent apart. We're trying to take advantage of all of the together-ness we can until then!

Finally some flowers (and much needed colour) near our building! A big celebration as we've been surrounded by construction since we moved in.

Missing Mexico right about now! Our friends have come up to visit the past two weekends and we had fun reminiscing. We exchanged memory cards and it was fun to see some new pictures (like the one above at the Mayan Ruins!) Although Ottawa is having a total heat wave right now, I could do with some relaxing beach time - Somewhere far, far away preferably!

 Last week Jeff and I went to some second-hand stores. It's become the only place I shop for books. You can't beat the prices! I found the above and couldn't help cracking a few open and taking myself back to my pre-teen years.

Ottawa's biggest music festival (arguably one of Canada's biggest festivals, at that) is taking place right now. I absolutely love going to Bluesfest. The atmosphere is comforting: so many good memories are associated with it. I've been going ever since I hit my teens. Great food, drink and music. Oh, and always great company. My close friend and I hit up Sunday night to see a stellar performance by Tegan and Sara.

Tegan and Sara 

We got all bundled up expecting a torrential downpour. Instead, we were pleasantly surprised with a pink sunset. Perfect night for live music!

 

I came across the above quote on Gala Darling's blog. I truly believe you have to do work you are passionate about. I love taking my work home with me: coming up with creative ideas and incentives to better my business is something I thrive on. Constant growth contributes to my happiness at work and is something I look forward to on a daily basis.

"I wouldn't wait for Monday. I don't believe in weekends."

Happy Wednesday!

Stuff My (boyfriend) Listens To

Today is a work day for me. The busiest of the week!

If I had the day off, the following is what I would be doing:

Eat from one of our (new) food trucks in downtown Ottawa

Listen to the new records Jeff and I found when we were shopping this week

Re-organize my closet and wash all my makeup brushes

Lie by the pool and read my book

Instead, I made up for it with the following summer mixtape. While I (pretend) to be doing all of the fun activities I listed above, I'm listening to these songs. They're mellow and light. It's feel-good music - happy and carefree!

 

So, pack a picnic and go enjoy this beautiful Saturday. Maybe bring along my playlist so a piece of me will be out enjoying the day as well!

(side note: Jeff wants me to make it very clear that he does NOT listen to Robyn. Ha. I love the 90's!)

weekly (un)wind: Canada Day Festivities!

 

Growing up I was on the shy and more introverted side, which is why it surprises me that as I've gotten older I've come to be quite sociable! In fact, in the last year I've realized I just can't say no to any sort of social gathering. I love doing dinner, drinks, movies, coffee, planning (and attending) small and large parties alike and especially any event that revolves around dancing and getting silly! 

 

Red and White Wine Sangria

Living in Ottawa, Canada Day has always been a huge celebration for Jeff and I. His parents have a big and beautiful backyard (equipped with pool and tiki bar), where we invite all of our family and friends for an all-day party, ending the night with fireworks and sparklers.

It's a great way to kick off the summer months, and has become a fun tradition that's created lots of memories!

Parliament Hill on Canada Day! Celebrating in the nation's capital.

  

 "And I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy."

The Great Gatsby

It's always sad going back to work after a long weekend, but I'm looking forward to an exciting and action-packed July!

(let's talk): Books to Read in 2013

I'm grateful to have grown up in a household where I was always surrounded by books. Every night before bed we would read instead of watch TV. When I hit middle school, my best friend and I would have sleepovers that would completely revolve around books. We would take old books and trade them in for new ones at our local bookstore, try to collect full series (hello, babysitters club!), and when we got older, subscribed to "Teen People" and all those other pop magazines (hey, reading is reading right?).

Now that I can appreciate a good story (not to put down Ann M. Martin, of course), I love to read all types of novels. As I've mentioned in previous posts, my mom and aunt are book fanatics. They collect, trade, blog, review and talk books all day long. I am so lucky to have endless stacks of novels to choose from, not to mention, have someone else weed out all the not-so-great ones! So much to read, so little time.

So, I thought when I had finished reading an extremely stellar book, or one that I thought someone else may relate to, I would post a little blurb on here as a new feature, (let's talk): Books to Read in 2013.

Dominique Browning was the editor and chief of House and Garden magazine. Recently I've read two of her novels: "Around the House and In the Garden: A Memoir of Heartbreak, Healing and Home Improvement" and "Slow Love: How I Lost my Job, Put on My Pajamas, and Found Happiness".

I always tend to dramatize and imagine an editors life to be glamorous: full of parties, meetings, and deadlines. What I soon learned, is that even the most glamourous of lives from the outside sometimes don't feel so good on the inside. I started with Around the House and in the Garden, which came about 10 years prior to Slow Love. It was a perfect novel for me at the time, seeing as I was moving into a new home, feeling a bit unsure and stepping into new waters. Reading the book gave me reassurance, and taught me to let my life design my house; how to infuse my home with a real sense of self, and make it something that felt warm and comforting to me, not just something that looked pretty for visitors. 

I praise Dominique for having no shame in putting her bathtub right by her window so she could peer outside at her big tree as the seasons changed, and putting her comfiest couch in the kitchen instead of the living room.

Slow Love came years later when the magazine folded and Dominique found herself without a job, and a whole lot of (unwelcomed) free time on her hands. I felt like the universe conspired to give me this book at this specific time in my life (not only because of the tagline, "How I Lost my Job, Put on my Pajamas, and Found Happiness", which is amazing in itself), but more so as it deals with taking a deep breath and living life more slowly.

It reminds you to take the time to figure out who you are apart from all of the life noise. Quite often, I find all my days meshing together: meeting to social gathering, dinner date, coffee date, sleep, work and do it all over again. Slow Love reminded me to take some me time and how important it is to get to know and love yourself first. 

"Someone once explained to me the difference between an introvert and an extrovert: both can enjoy going to a party, but the extrovert is engergized by society, whereas the introvert has to recover from it. My batteries get drained easily these days, and need recharging in silence. Alone, I am willingly, cheerfully, thrown upon myself"

Slow Love/Dominique Browning

I love the consistency in her writing. In both novels, each chapter becomes it's own short story with it's own simple life lesson. For me, it was enough to just pick it up and take even just ten minutes out of the day to read one of her silly, elegantly written anecdotes. 

If you think we may have similar tastes in books, check out my Goodreads page and add me as a friend here!

Strength in (numbers) - What Does Your Birthday Say About You?

 

 Last week was defined by numbers. Quite literally. The boring kind of numbers that relate to business, but also the fun kind. The life defining, determine-your-fate, kind of numbers. I spent a ton of time reading into numerology and what your birth date can tell you about yourself.

I've always been interested in astrological signs. My last job (not as fast paced, and much more time for contemplation), led me to read my horoscope almost daily. I've been to a tarot card reader twice.

I know, I know: astrology and numerology and all the phenomena around it sounds like bologna, but wait till you read a bit further...

When it comes to numerology, you use important dates in your life to uncover personal character traits. To find out your number, you add up all the days in your birthday. Here's an example of my own:

1+1+1+8+1+9+9+0 = 30

In numerology your "life path" numbers can be 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 11 or 22. If your number is a double digit, like mine, add the numbers until you get a single digit, or an 11 or 22.

Therefore, my "life path" number is 3! It shows I'm self expressive, optimistic, artistic, persuasive, and sociable. 

It can also mean I can be moody, lack direction or scatter my energies (or spread myself too thin).

You can find multiple sites and sources that will talk about numerology, but the basics of what each number means are generally similar.

I'd recommend you start here, then go here and here to see a more in depth breakdown of what your number means. 

Take it at face value and it can be fun to see what your birth date can say about you! 

Weekly (un)Wind

If I could pick anywhere in the world to "(un)Wind" right now it would be New York City. I was lucky to visit last year with my family, and I would say it's been one of  my best vacations. I'm a true city girl, I love being amongst the chaos and excitement. Everything that has ever been said about New York is true - it has that buzz. It truly makes you feel different just being there, surrounded by opportunity (or, maybe I've just read The Devil Wears Prada one too many times now...)

Some pictures from my visit to NYC!

 

 After watching the Tony awards last weekend, there are so many fun Broadway shows I'm dying to see (especially Annie, my childhood favorite). I wouldn't mind doing some shopping and going for a walk through Central Park either!

Pretty NYC storefronts!

New York in the summer is absolutely lovely. I only spent four days, and I can't wait to get back to see everything I missed. Yet, seeing as I have little to no weekend plans, I've settled with having snacks in bed and trading Annie for The Parent Trap (thanks, Netflix).

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And if you don't have the cash to book a one-way ticket to NYC...here are some links that are almost as exciting:

- Neil Patrick Harris is just a great human. He deserves his own Tony for this opening performance.

- This floral Kate Spade freebie for your desktop, cover photo, or iPhone background!

- The second installment of Rihanna for Mac was realeased yesterday and it's to die for.

- Also, this sassy Kate Spade iPhone case.

- This cute kids summer to-do list has me inspired to make a list of my own!

- Obsessed with all of the one piece bathing suits that Anthropologie has come out with recently
- A pretty reminder

Happy Sunday!

Finding (balance)

I haven't updated in over a week. I vowed to myself in the beginning that this would be my creative outlet, and not another source of stress or pressure I put upon myself. Yet, when life got in the way and I couldn't write, I had this nagging feeling. You failed. You didn't upkeep your schedule. You aren't doing enough.

 We are all our own worst critic. Sitting on the couch, watching TV and eating pizza after a long day, I gave myself a hard time. Maybe you should be cleaning up your place! Couldn't you be doing something more productive?

 I want to put that voice to rest and say, to you, and mainly to myself: I love sharing. Yet, if I can't keep a schedule, then we can all assume that life has gotten a bit hectic. It happens to the best of us. And sometimes the best way to be "productive" is to let your body and mind have a rest and watch 6 episodes of The Real World on MTV. Oops. 

So, let's play a bit of catch up:

 

You know that feeling when the book gods come together and put a novel in front of you that you can completely relate to? One that reads exactly what you need to hear in that patricular moment? That's become Slow Love by Dominique Browning for me. Pictured above is a quote from a chapter midway through. With Spring, I hope to continue to breathe deeply and see clearly. 

With Spring turning into Summer, I also plan on renewing my Martha Stewart Living subscription. There is still nothing better then getting excited and running to the mailbox!

 

It's likely a given, but I love to support small businesses. I love to hear success stories. In Barrhaven, a small suburb in Ottawa, we recently had an adorable cupcake shop open around the corner from my place. I can imagine I'll be frequenting it a lot this summer! Yum.

 

I also managed to squeeze in a sushi date with mom!

 

Fridays happen to be my payday. A dangerous time. I've had the week to plan what my "fun" purchase is going to be in my head. Then, for the rest of the pay period, I force myself to be good. Whilst making mental notes of what I'm going to buy next. I think I have a problem. Aren't the polish colours adorable though?

 

I have lots of links and ideas lingering in the back of my mind. I also have lots of exciting news to share. So, until next time.

Happy Wednesday! xx

(Altered) States

This weekend was awesome. Sometimes it feels good not to plan out your time and go with the flow! Sundays have been a day that I've cleared out to spend with my family - whether it be snuggles on the couch with all of our comforters and pillows, a movie date, or my dad cooking a delicious dinner (owning multiple restaurants will do that!). 

Yesterday we went to Kelly's Landing, a small restaurant in Manotick overlooking the water. We luckily escaped the rain and had drinks and fish tacos, taking in the sun and catching up! We still plan a "family" vacation every year, and everyone knows with a good trip, half the fun is in the planning! This year we're throwing around the idea of Boston, Chicago, or renting a houseboat and just taking off for a few days (think we were inspired by the boats going by us on the water or what? Ha).

All of the recent summer talk has gotten me so excited and inspired for the months ahead! I've put a lot of time into decorating my home, and I love changing up the decor with the seasons. If you've read my first post, you may have learned that I like things to be simple. If I see a recipe with more then 5 ingredients, I probably won't make it. If I see a DIY with a complicated list of instructions, I likely won't complete it. That's just the way I am! (I blame all of my Ikea furniture over the years for this one...) 

 

Altered States was a name I was throwing around for a small business for a long time. I even made a business plan for it in school! However, timing wasn't right, so here it is, the new title for my DIY posts. Taking something simple and making it unique gives the best kind of satisfaction!

This has been one of my favorite, not to mention easy, DIY projects. I probably started and finished it in about 2 hours - and this was including making a new playlist to listen to!

Before I moved in I went to Walmart and bought a bunch of frames for around the house. The one pictured above is just a clear glass frame, with a black edge. Originally I had placed records in it and put it up on the wall.

I've always loved collaging, and I wanted to display that somewhere in the house. I realized this would be the perfect collage frame! So I went and got another one (under 10$), and took out a pile of magazines.

 

I cut out "seasonal" pictures from magazines (Better Homes and Gardens & Martha Stewart Living are my favorite go-to's, summer editions) to use as my background. If you're really getting into scrapbooking or collaging, you can buy old magazines inexpensively in bulk online, or at a local thrift store (I've seen tons at Salvation Army and Goodwill in Ottawa!)

Then I picked out my favorite summer pictures I had of Jeff and I, and friends.

I laid them all out on the glass of the frame, moving them around until I was happy with their placement. I put the other piece of glass back on top (no need for glue or tape, the glass will hold it together!) and put the frame on the wall. 

You can save it to reuse every season, or take out the pictures and make a new one once fall rolls around! Easy DIY wall art.

A quick flashback to my fall frame :)

Happy Monday!

Sam