art | Some Things

"Some Things" is for sale! Please click {this} link if you want to see detailed information about this painting. Please leave a comment or email me at mollydaudlin@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing this piece.)

This was a difficult piece to edit. My sketchbooks are filled with black and white drawings of things around my room. That's what I do when I'm bored, or waiting for a page to load on my tired old Mac computer. Picking a collection and placing them in a way that I was happy with was very hard. I still might play with the layout but I'm (for the most part) happy with the way it turned out.

I think it speaks to any mind that is oftentimes cluttered. A framed picture of royalty in the corner, a map of city streets, an (empty) coffee cup, a dandelion - these are things that fill up the everydays.

Here's a quote that inspired the idea this week:

Sometimes, when we lose ourselves in fear and despair, in routine and constancy, in hopelessness and tragedy, we can thank God for Bavarian sugar cookies. And, fortunately, when there aren't any cookies, we can still find reassurance in a familiar hand on our skin, or a kind and loving gesture, or subtle encouragement, or a loving embrace, or an offer of comfort, not to mention hospital gurneys and nose plugs, an uneaten Danish, soft-spoken secrets, and Fender Stratocasters, and maybe the occasional piece of fiction. And we must remember that all these things, the nuances, the anomalies, the subtleties, which we assume only accessorize our days, are effective for a much larger and nobler cause. They are here to save our lives. I know the idea seems strange, but I also know that it just so happens to be true.

inspiration | 12

Like I mentioned yesterday, this week I've drawn inspiration from the things I've found in my room, house or other comfortable and familiar surroundings.

photo credit to {Cupcakes and Cashmere}

This is the poem by John Keets I found in my chemistry notebook from high school!

lost and found

My room always seems to be a mess. I'm a very sentimental person with a great memory (which is the perfect combination for a person on that show "Hoarders").

When I try to clean or get rid of stuff, hours go by. Before I know it, I'm sprawled out on the floor reading poems that I copied down onto scrap paper and stuffed them into chemistry notebooks from high school. I read journal entries from my when I got my first kiss, I find statues that my nana gave me that have been hidden behind large picture frames.

Cleaning my room is always a debacle and never seems to get done.


The things that I have may never be in the perfect place, but I look at the random items I do have as inspiration for current ideas I have or pieces I am working on. I untangle old necklaces and dust off old sketchbooks and appreciate these items in a new and different way.


My dad recently just bought be the book "The Stylists Guide to NYC" by Sibella Court which highlights the great places around New York City where you can find interesting and unique odds and ends for decorating, art or style. Devouring this book makes me want to go to New York, but it also has reinforced the fact that appreciating the items around you is a very good thing.

friday favorite | Trader Joe's Vanilla Jo-Jo's

Vanilla Jo-Jo's from Trader Joes are why I think heaven exists on earth sometimes. DEAR GOD - these cookies.

Yes, that is a picture I snapped while they were laying on my bed. Yes, they are sitting on my nightstand as I write this.

My dad left me a box after a long hard week, knowing that nothing brings me the pure joy that biting into the delicious vanilla bean frosting paired with the (salty?) crunchy cookie. Crunch them up in a blender with some ice cream and milk for the best milkshake you've ever had, and try the other flavors (peppermint & chocolate for Christmas!).

I'm allowed to talk about eating enormous amounts of cookies because I just ran 6 miles.. It's important to keep a balance, people!

Have a great weekend!

blog of the week | Le Love

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Today's blog features {Le Love} which is a site that collects images and stories from obscure places and devoted readers that revolve around the subject of love. Sometimes, the posts I read are like chapters out of a good book.. you want to see what happens to these people that are searching for love, have found love, or have lost love. The images are beautiful and the blog is managed very well.

Enjoy!

art | Let Them Eat Cake

"Let Them Eat Cake" is not for sale (YET!) 

I wanted to share with you a piece that I am working on. This was an idea I had while watching an episode of "Top Chef". Each contestant had to make a dish using the theme of the seven deadly sins. I was immediately inspired as well and chose "Gluttony" to depict while watching the show. I was really happy with the way it turned out and I'm in the process of turning into a much more sophisticated piece for my room.

inspiration | 11

pale pinks, natural hues, and polka dots.

colorful candies, neon highlights, quirky illustrations.

a little bit of sweetness mixed with irreverence.

sugar and spice

I've never really had an overpowering taste for sweets. I do love my fair share of chocolate... and scones... and rice krispie treats... and Trader Joe's Vanilla Jo-Jo's, but besides THOSE, I usually can skip dessert (HAH!). However, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, I've decided to indulge my sweet tooth and not feel bad about it. Pumpkin pie and hot chocolate are always on the menu this time of year - and life's too short not to enjoy it.


This week, I am urging you to stop counting calories and start concentrating on getting the best-looking cookie on the plate that's being passed around your dinner table. Enjoy the company of your family & friends and have a great Thanksgiving!

friday favorite | Sorel

I'm not a big fan of snow or cold weather - however it is a GREAT excuse to wear my Sorel Caribou boots. These boots are the warmest and most durable boots I have ever had. They're so classic and well-made, that I honestly said to someone today, "I can't wait to wear my Sorels".


I have the Caribous, but my sister and a lot of my friends (and celebs like Elle McPherson, Jessica Simpson and Demi Moore) have the Joan of Arctic. They're a little bit taller and girlier, but still extremely comfortable and perfect for the snowy blizzards that are sure to fill the days ahead.

blog of the week | Pretty Colors

{"Pretty Colors"} is basically the simplest idea for a tumblr one could possibly imagine. Staying true to its namesake, several times a day - there is a new pretty color for the eye to enjoy along with its HTML color code.

At first you might think this is pretty dumb. But as you look at the colors chosen, you will start to appreciate them in ways you never could before. I really can't stand neon green - but somehow #8fff20 made me like it a little bit better.

Give it a chance and take a look :)

art | My Sketchbook

I don't have a painting for sale this week. Instead, I've decided to share some pages from my sketchbooks. You may or may not be seeing these doodles turned into actual paintings but sometimes its just nice to get your ideas on paper without the pressure of perfection. You'd be amazed and what ideas come flooding into your imagination when you give yourself a rest. I haven't touched a paintbrush in a week and I'm eager to start again this weekend!

inspiration | 10

Like I mentioned yesterday, I've tried to look at things that are right in front of my eyes and the way I like to pass my time instead of trying come up with a cohesive theme.



I wore these shoes to a wedding this past weekend with a dress I got from H&M. I won't go as far as to say that they made me hit the dance floor harder (I usually do that all on my own), but it did feel a little more festive. Sparkles will do that to ya.


Last Sunday night, I watched this documentary, "Bill Cunningham New York" (which is on Comcast OnDemand right now). It is about one of the fashion photographers for the New York Times. The way he finds trends is not by searching for them. Instead, he takes hundreds (and probably thousands) of pictures of street style in New York and then pieces themes together. He is a lover of all things beautiful and  watching this was an awesome way to spend an evening.


I love the sunrise color palette (as you tell by the design of this website). In my closet and design that I have been drawn to have been leaning toward the pinks, oranges, and mustards.


Even though I can afford next to nothing in Anthropologie winter catalog - it's a relaxing waste of time to flip through the gorgeous layout and beautiful photography.

all image credit can be referenced on my pinterest account 

taking it easy

Lately, I've been tuckered out. I can't walk by my bed without taking a 15 minute nap. If I see my dog sleeping in the sun, I have to spend the next 20 minutes laying next to her. I don't know if it's the lack of daylight or just the fact that sometimes there's just too much on my plate but this week, I vow to take it easy.


I have a 6-mile run coming up, but instead of training for that - I watched my dog run around the park by my house.

This week is all about relaxation. Instead of feverishly looking for inspiration. I'm going to sit back and wait for the inspiration to come to me. Sit on my porch, watch people come and go - and take a breather. I suggest you do the same.

friday favorite | Clinique Moisturizer

This week's friday favorite is the only skin regiment I actually do - moisturize. I'm not a big exfoliater or "face products" type of person but Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizer tubes and bottles are scattered around my bathroom. I think that their skincare products are the best (I also swear by their Super Balanced Foundation) and is well worth the money.

One night, before going to bed, I wasn't paying attention and I accidently squeezed way too much of the moisturizer into my hand. Since there was no one around to pass the excessive amount of cream over to, I just slapped it all over my face. It was WAYY WAYY too much. However when I woke up in the morning, my skin has NEVER looked so fresh! It had absorbed all the moisture in the best way possible.

I'm sure you've heard great things about it and I'm here to tell you it really is great!

I feel like a total girl for writing two full paragraphs about moisturizer, so I'm going to call it quits for this week.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

blog of the week | The Glamourai

{The Glamourai} is the blog of the week and I love it because it is full with sophistication and practically perfect photography and design. Kelly's style is polished beyond belief which transcends into her interior design aesthetic as well.

I think it takes a certain kind of perfectionism to run a blog as tight and neat as "The Glamourai". Her posts are consistent and the vibe of this cool New York City girl is all running through each and every one of her ideas.

Even if she's not your style, you will definitely have to give her props for her professionalism.

art | All That Glitters

("All That Glitters" is for sale! Please click {this} link if you want to see detailed information about this painting. Please leave a comment or email me at mollydaudlin@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing this piece.)

This piece was inspired by clearly mixing the old with the new. The subject matter was inspired by parties back in the day when girls had their hair done and men were in suits and everyone was throwing confetti, listening to old records. The color aqua that was used for case of the record player reminds me of the 1950's.

I created this piece with the idea that I wanted something slightly 3-dimensional. Adding the gold confetti on top of the nostalgic painting gave it the happiness and modern touch I think it was missing.

inspiration | 09

A lot of critics compare the character of Carrie Bradshaw from Sex & The City a "modern-day Holly Golightly". Her take on modern day romance mixed with a realistic view on men and relationships in the 21st century supports this connection.


Although I don't have a home of my own yet, I constantly am thinking about what I want it's interior to look and feel like. Part of me wants traditional wood with deep colors - very cozy. But another part of me is always drawn to funky colors, patterns and layouts.


Amy Winehouse - old-school talent mixed with the viewpoint of our generation.


Classic pearls or Colored Glass necklace?


Ipod dock on an old gramophone. {Anthropologie}, what will you think of next?

back to black

I've been listening to a lot of Amy Winehouse, reading a lot of newspapers, and getting back to basics recently. Being around classic architecture reminds me that you don't have to have contemporary accents to make a look, a building or a piece of art look beautiful. However, I'm naturally a person that is all about color, music I can dance to, and modern design. Therefore, blending the two - the old & the new - is what catches my eye.


This week is all about mixing traditional with modern. Grab a Starbucks, watch a remake of an old classic, and get ready to settle in for the cold months ahead.

friday favorite | Pink Grapefruit Perrier

Pink Grapefruit Perrier is probably my new favorite thing ever. I mix it with regular water and add a lot of ice cubes. It's healthier than drinking pop, but still has a fizz that makes you feel like you're drinking something a lot more sugary.

Related to that - I suggest ordering any kind of sparkling water in restaurants if you want to feel really cool. I went out to dinner recently, and didn't feel like drinking wine, so I ordered Pellegrino (another favorite!). It was such a huge production! They came out with this ice bucket, a chilled glass, and a giant bottle of Pellegrino. I said "WOW!". People thought I was really high-brown. It was neat.

Happy Friday, everybody!

blog of the week | A Cup of Jo

This week's "Blog of the Week" features Joanna Goddard from {A Cup of Jo}. How adorable are her wedding photos?

The reason I am a constant reader of "A Cup of Jo" is because her career and lifestyle is one that I can strive to attain. She is from the southeastern part of Michigan, and moved to New York City where she has become a successful blogger, magazine writer, wife and mother.

Her imagery and lifestyle themed postings (and contests) keeps all of her readers coming back for more.

art | Learning to Fly

("Learning to Fly" is for sale! Please click {this} link if you want to see detailed information about this painting. Please leave a comment or email me at mollydaudlin@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing this piece.)

This painting is a personal favorite of mine. I love the unique color combination and the way it could be hung in a baby's room until the child is much older. It has a Disney quality to it, but also was inspired by the trail-and-error of any learning process.

"You have to fall to learn how to fly" is one of my favorite quotes and I'm so happy I got the chance to depict here.

inspiration | 08

all photo credit can be found on my {pinterest} account