>> our deepest fear

>> do not worry

I thought this quote was fitting for these past few days. As some of you know, my boyfriend Matt's mom has been in the hospital this past week in critical care. Currently her heart, liver, and kidneys are struggling to work as they should, which has made her very tired and weak. As of now, no one can really say what the next few days will look like, and what will be the outcome. It's always hard in situations like these, because there are so many what ifs, how comes, and why nows. Why do there have to be these situations? Why do such amazing people have to face such difficult circumstances? There's never really an answer to questions like these, and really the only thing to do is pray. God has a master plan, and reasons for situations that are far beyond anything we could ever comprehend. So we wait. Pray. Love. Hope. Smile. Because at the end of the day, today is just another gift, and worry can only take us away from cherishing every moment that we have. 

>> project files : chalkboard

Ever since I saw this picture, I have been inspired to create something similar in my own home. While out thrifting with my friend Sondra, I found the large frame (shown in the first photo) for a mere $7! One look and I knew it was the perfect start to my project. Add a trip to the hardware store for a couple pieces of wood (one for inside the frame, and one for below), and some paint, and a trip to Target for some hooks and I was all set. Here's the steps:

1. Spray paint the frame ( I used a high gloss white)
2. Cut the board for below the frame down to size so it's the same width as the frame. Spray paint.
3. Measure the inside of the frame, and cut the board that will be used as the chalkboard down to size. 
4. Paint the board with the chalkboard paint. I probably did about 4 thick coats with a roller using Rust-Oleum chalkboard paint. 
5. Mount the chalkboard inside the frame.
6. Attach hooks to board, evenly spaced. 
7. Mount to the wall!

I was really pleased with the final product, and am so excited to see what else I can use my chalkboard paint for ... I will keep you posted when I decide!

>> rockin' wall

>> source

>> love is in the air

>> card . pins . bag detail . arrow . cookie . fabric wrap .

>> four happy photos

These four images are sitting next to my desk at work, and make me smile every time I look at them. Isn't it amazing how a simple arrangement of pictures can bring so much happiness?

{arrows / geometric / awesome / floral}

>> a perfect day

Spent the day with my best bud Gina, and we hit up the town with some of my favorite activities:

1. Breakfast at Patrick's bakery. It's located in a garden/plant store, and feels like you're outside even though you're not (which was probably good since it was - 2 degrees today). Chocolate croissants were the BEST! I had to go back for more! I'm pretty sure all we talked about the whole time we were eating was how good the croissants were. Seriously, go get one. 
2. Thrift shopping at the Cottage House. I had heard tons about it and never been. It's only open 5 days a month, and this was the perfect time to check it out. So many awesome pieces, but only took home a little gold shelf (probably the smallest thing in the store!). 
3. Shopping at Southdale.
4. Lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. BBQ Chicken pizza was delicious. 

Perfect day with one of my favorite people. What more could I ask for?

>> Cheers

Hard to believe it's already 2012! Here's hoping for a year full of laughter, new adventures, love, surprises, dreams, and creativity. I know for me, my wish is that this year I stop being afraid and making excuses, and go after my dreams full force. Who's with me?

{image via harpy}

>> happy new year!

>> looks like winter

{image via j.crew}