Marvelous Music!

I spend a lot of time (seriously, a lot) listing to music. I recently discovered the fact that you can make actual playlists on YouTube, so I pretty much have my phone set up to play music via YouTube 99% of the day. Here's a few tasty morsels I've been frequenting as of late!

1// Lindsey Stirling - Phantom of the Opera
Folks, this video BLEW MY MIND. I've always enjoyed the violin, but this chick takes it to a whole new level. While you're out it, check out her YouTube channel, I promise you will not be disappointed. I have an entire playlist dedicated solely to her magic.

2// Jodi, Alana, and Morgan - Hallelujah

Now, I know this song has been covered and recovered over and over by everyone and their brother. However, this version is sweetly simple and beautiful and just honestly fills me with joy every time I listen to it!

3// Radical Face - Welcome Home
There is something about the rhythmic clapping in this song that gives me that tingly feeling and makes me feel like I belong in a hippie circle around a campfire somewhere. I really enjoy this one when I'm trying to clean and need something to get me moving! (Bonus - cute boy with a beard!)

4// Damien Rice - Nine Crimes
This song is so, so hauntingly beautiful and filled with emotion. It gives me goosebumps!

5// Walk Off the Earth - From Me To You

If you haven't already heard of Walk Off the Earth- clear your schedule and check out their YouTube channel. They do super fun covers of all kinds of songs and they're crazy talented!!

Readers, what's on your playlist? Anything I should check out?

Style Inspiration: Menswear

Hey folks! I know, it's been like, two months. I'm terrible! Anywho, I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and new year. Life has been one seriously crazy jumble for me lately! I'm back today to discuss what's been inspiring my wardrobe lately- menswear. I recently stumbled upon a wonderful, fantastic style blog called Qwear, "a fashion blog for lesbians, queer women, transmasculine and genderqueer people, women with gender nonconforming styles, and anyone who can rock suspenders." Mind. Totally. Blown. I ended up on Qwear for oh, a couple hours! Seriously folks, check this blog out. I'm not a lesbian, but I'm definitely a fan of non-conforming fashion, and I really do love a good necktie/shirt combo! Here's just a few of my favorite looks at the moment:

c/o Qwear

c/o Dapper & Dandy

c/o Qwear

1 // mushroom silk scarf from Cyberoptix
2 // vintage cowichan sweater from Greta Brown Vintage
3 // wood veneer sunglasses from Tumbleweeds Handcraft
4 // vintage woolrich hunting pants from Dearbones
5 // harvest necktie from Forage
6 // 8:16 am watch from May 28th Watches
7 // boots from Dr. Martens

Here's yours truly, in my menswear-inspired look:

What's inspiring your look as of late? Stay dapper!!

Confession Time

I was recently impressed and inspired by a post from Rachele of The Nearsighted Owl, about her hubby and his struggle with Bipolar Disorder (which you can read here). It stood out to me for multiple reasons. For one, her integrity and dedication to her partner during a time when a lot of people would turn and flee. I know personally the hardship of living with someone with bipolar disorder. I was diagnosed about two years ago with bipolar disorder and histrionic personality disorder, and I know firsthand of the infinite patience it has taken my husband and family to put up with me. I was inspired by Rachele's post to share my personal story. I feel like I'm guilty of only posting things I assume others want to read and look at, like fashion or decor, and hiding the more personal (and realistic) aspects of my life.

For those unfamiliar with bipolar disorder and histrionic personality disorder, here is how they are defined by Wikipedia:

Bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder (historically known as manic-depressive disorder) is a psychiatric diagnosis for a mood disorder in which people experience disruptive mood swings. These encompass a frenzied state known as mania (or hypomania) usually alternated with symptoms of depression. Bipolar disorder is defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels, cognition, and mood with or without one or more depressive episodes.

Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and inappropriately seductive behavior, usually beginning in early adulthood. These individuals are lively, dramatic, vivacious, enthusiastic, and flirtatious.

At my best, I'm energetic, motivated, and cheerful. I play with my girls, I clean like crazy, I make things, and I feel confident and attractive. I'm organized and content. At my worst, I'm tired and irritable. I'm easily agitated. I have very little patience for the silly things toddlers do and the normal level of fussiness for my baby. I can't find the energy or motivation to even do basic chores. I usually just want to lay on the couch watching TV and then the guilt of not doing anything productive makes me feel worse. If we have to go somewhere I usually make us late because I end up changing my clothes 20 times and still feel ugly in the end. I have bouts where I feel so angry about nothing in particular that I shake uncontrollably.

Having bipolar disorder makes it difficult for me to cope with my symptoms of histrionic personality disorder, specifically when I'm feeling "ugly." If we go out with a group of friends, I feel like I need to be the most attractive girl in the group. Sometimes I feel like if we go out and I look bad or I'm not the best-dressed in the group I won't have a good time. I used the think I was just vain and obviously felt guilty about it, but now I realize it's a compulsion. I'm working with a therapist to overcome compulsions like that and others. I've gone through several different regiments of medications to help battle my symptoms, but haven't found one that works for me yet.

I'm glad we are coming to a point in time where personality disorders and mental health are being looked at in a less negative light. I'm not "crazy." If a person has the flu, they go to the doctor, and they get better. I'm striving every day to get better. If any of you readers have any similar experiences to mine, want to offer advice (or ask for it!) please don't hesitate to email me! I'd love to hear what you have to say.

A room fit for two princesses!

We live in a teeny, tiny apartment. I remember a time when it felt almost spacious, but that was before the Webblings came into the picture. It is truly absurd how much STUFF two little girls can acquire in such a short time. The sweet little nursery that once housed just my little Bun is now home to two little ones and it is packed to the brim. It doesn't even really look like a little girl bedroom at this point, it looks more like something from an episode of Hoarders. It's so bad that I can't even bring myself to post a picture (yet).

Anywho, now that Layla's 3rd birthday has come and gone and the stuff has increased by quite a bit, I've decided that my next big project is cleaning out, reorganizing, and decorating their room. I want them to have a lovely little space they can actually play in and enjoy. I've been busily perusing Pinterest for inspiration, making notes, doing a bit of Goodwill shopping, and packing away things that no longer fit or get played with very often. WHICH, might I add is not an easy task. Every time I go through the girls' clothes I usually end up waxing nostalgic and getting weepy over their adorable little things and wishing they would just stay small forever. Also, I obviously have to deal with the toys when Layla isn't hovering, because she insists that she needs ALL her toys, of course.

So... here's some things I've been inspired by in my quest for the perfect little girl bedroom.

Such a strange and random assortment of lovely colors!

I'm smitten with that robin's egg blue crib... and all the sweet little clothes on display!

Such a perfect little pink bed.

An adorable shared bedroom. I just adore all the kitschy little details!

I love how fun and colorful this room is. It seems like a happy place to be!

I'd really like to make a couple of these cuties.

I have a lot of work ahead of me! I'd like to think I'll be able to make progress and share it with you all as the room comes together. Wish me luck! Happy weekend everyone!

Style Inspiration: I love the 90's

Folks, I have been on a major 90's movie/tv show kick as of late. I've been feeling especially inspired by the awesome 90's fashion, though truth be told it makes me feel really old, because I guess they're officially calling that "vintage" too now... and I grew up in the 90's! Yes, I totally rocked the baggy overalls, plaid flannel, flowy floral dresses, and copious amounts of burgundy and hunter green. Let's be honest though, not ALL the trends of the 90's were fabulous, there was definitely some runoff from the late 80's, and in my humble opinion the 80's were just plain tacky... and not in a good way. I think it's just a rule to abhor the generation you were born in. I was born in 1984 and the style from back then just makes me gag! Anyway, some of the movies and shows I've been inspired by lately are...

1. My So-Called Life - I hadn't watched this since I was probably 14, and holy moly, did it get me feeling nostalgic! Even back then, I remember coveting everything that Angela wore.
2. Reality Bites - I actually just saw this for the first time this week- loved it! I'm sort of a sucker for anything Winona Ryder is in, and I want everything Janeane Garofalo is wearing in the above picture... and her super short bangs.
3. Singles - I adore Bridget Fonda in this movie. I kinda feel like I need her hat. And a leather jacket. And sweet boots. And a grungey Matt Dillon on my arm perhaps...

1. Vintage Plot Your Future Dress from Modcloth

2. Vintage Guess Boots from James Rowland Shop

3. Vintage Lee Flannel Shirt from Dear Bones Trading Co.

4. Vintage Cappagallo Blazer from ReMixx Vintage

5. Vintage Straw Bowler Hat from Lactose Intoler-Art

6. Vintage O'Malley Sunglasses from American Deadstock

7. Vintage Tapestry Boots from James Rowland Shop

Are there any movies or TV shows from the 90's that inspire you? What's on your 90's fashion wishlist?

Friday Findings #2

Welcome back to another edition of Friday Findings! (I feel a little ridiculous typing that...) Anywho, here's a few things here and there that I found lovely this week.

This adorable family portrait by Daisy of BouxWho. It's Karen of The Quiet Owl and her little family... aren't they too precious?? I'm seriously dying for one too now! 

I can't stop drooling over these glorious Pyrex dishes! Not only do I want all of them, I think this color scheme is fantastic. (Image c/o Pyrex Collective.)

These darling little display cases from Couverture and the Garbstore would be so, so perfect for the girls' bedroom!

These super pretty nursing necklaces from Miracle From Threads are at the top of my wishlist due to a certain baby dubbed "Miss Grabby." 

This song has been stuck in my head all week. Give it a listen- it's excellent!

Have a great weekend everyone! XOXO

A Dreamy Home

First off, many apologies for my infrequent posting! I've been a little out of sorts, both mentally and physically. I'm sure you all know how it feels to have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the internet! Some days (more like most days) Tesla is super duper demanding and of course, Layla needs so much love and attention too! Sometimes I feel really guilty about the lack of time I have to spend one on one with Layla, but hopefully as Tesla gets a little older it will get easier! Obviously, when things are hectic,  the blog has to take the back burner. I need some advice from all those supermoms out there that seem to accomplish so much! I feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day!

Anyway, while most of my time is spent glued to the couch nursing a very demanding baby, I'm still able to peruse Pinterest with my cell phone! I can't stop dreaming of having a lovely little home to decorate. We currently live in a small apartment that is seriously, seriously out of space. Not to mention the blah lighting, gnarly old carpet, and all white walls (I'm a big fan of COLOR). We're going to be here for at least another year, so in the meantime I'm pinning tons of inspiration for when we have our own little abode!

I can't help loving how tacky and kitschy this living room is! And all that fantastic wall art!

I seriously just swoon every time I see this kitchen- it could not be more perfect!

I'm dying for a pink and blue bathroom just like this one! How cute are all those fishies on the shower wall??

I'm such a sucker for mismatched patterns... and I'm smitten with all those pillows!

I think I get more excited about decorating a little bedroom for my girls than any other room- and this one is just right! I just love all the fantastic little details!

Hopefully I'll be able to post more often from now on! Fingers crossed! Happy Thursday! 

Friday Findings #1

So I know I had already started one weekly feature, "Weekend Wishlist." However, I started thinking about how I find various sources of inspiration over the course of the week, from new (to me) blogs, recipes, music, tutorials, outfits, photography, and so on and so forth and you get the picture. So I thought, why not just compile it into one big weekly conglomeration of awesomeness each week? Henceforth, I give you:

1. This post from Amy over at Vanagon Champion. This gal has got it going on. All the inspiration I've been getting from her, as well as Rachele of The Nearsighted Owl has my self-esteem through the roof! If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading these blogs, do yourself a favor and do it now! 

2. The doll suitcase tutorial via Hart & Sew. It's so cute, I can't take it! I don't get to make as many things for Layla as I'd like to, but I'm pretty sure this is going on the top of my list of things to make. I can only imagine how thrilled she would be to have one of these! I even have the suitcase already.

3. I normally don't really care about music videos, but this one kinda blew me away. I've had this song stuck in my head all week and I'm actually okay with it!

4. These spectacular vintage sandals via Selenesian on Etsy. They're so unique and they look super comfy! Such a bummer they're already sold, they were even my size. >_<

5. I'm a total sucker for cute foods. I have one Pinterest board dedicated solely to cupcakes alone! These adorable little popsicle cupcakes just slay me. Wouldn't they be just perfect for a summer birthday party? Especially a pool party?! 

Hope you enjoyed my first ever "Friday Findings!" Happy Weekend! 

Inspiration

5 things that piqued my interest this week:

1. Elsie's Organization Tips

Elsie's blog is always chock full of lovely, inspirational things but this post has so many fantastic ideas. Not just for organization, but super duper pretty organization.

2. This adorable mini-kitchen.

(image via DosFamily)

This makes me so much more excited for when we actually have a house so I can recreate this for my girls. I would totally do it now if we had room. (Though truth be told, I'd probably play in it more than they would!) All the sweet little details in this kitchen just kill me!

3. Pansy Lane's Gender Reveal Party

This gal's creativity never ceases to blow me away (and she's too cute to boot). I wish I had thought to do a gender reveal party when I was pregnant! I can only imagine how fantastic her son-in-the-oven's birthday parties will be! I really appreciate all the work that went into the sweet little details of this party.

4. This Retro Barbie Medicine Cabinet

(image via Foxy Belle)

It's my dream bathroom in miniature form! Can you believe she made all those teeny tiny things by hand? I'm swooning over those itty bitty little toothbrushes... what is it about mini things that just makes us go gaga?? I don't know, but I'm in love with this.

5. Kaylah of The Dainty Squid

Isn't she just the prettiest?? Maybe it makes me a creep but just reading her blog inspires me in SO many ways. She's such a well rounded, creative person with an appreciation for the little things in life. Whenever I'm feeling mopey and unmotivated, I just mosey on over to The Dainty Squid and I can't help being so inpired that I snap out of it and get back in gear!

What's currently inspiring you?