Wednesday, September 26, 2012

shades of green


I never been that big of a "green" fan. Sure I like trees, bushes, the Earth in general, but for a painting, a piece of clothing, etc. I just can't warm up to it.

{This post} by Design Work Life changed my mind a bit. Simple, great design and really awesome patterns - what more could I ask for?

Monday, September 24, 2012

streisand and stripes


Bold colored stripes for one bold lady. How could I not blog about this? And now I will go watch the roller-skating scene in "Funny Girl", do a little yoga and call it a night.

wedding dress


My fashion choices have been known to raise eyebrows, especially among my family, close friends and my boyfriend. So when I described {this dress} as having a donkeys on it, everyone was expecting the worst.

But I bought it anyways and wore it to a friend's wedding this past weekend.

I read a quote once that said "Chic is when a woman is in harmony with herself." I don't really know if donkeys are "chic", but I know that sometimes you just gotta wear what feels good and what you like, no matter what people are going to say or think.

P.S. I felt totally legit when I saw Spencer Hastings wearing it on Pretty Little Liars. It's nice to know someone out there agrees with me.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

original thought

time to write


It's always on the top of my priority list - taking the time to write. Whether it's to jot down ideas, free write, make lists, or just copy down quotes, keeping a journal of all of your thoughts is my favorite way to see growth, figure out a problem, or at the very least, feel productive.

 It not only exercises the creative muscle (the fictional stories that I write are waaaay out there) but also, when you write down a crazy idea and work it out on the page - it suddenly doesn't seem so crazy after all.

Monday, September 17, 2012

places to go | The Red Hook and Pinwheel Bakery


There are some places that instantly make you feel happy and at home when you walk through the door - {Pinwheel Bakery} (located in Ferndale, Michigan) is one of them.

From the light and airy decor to the perfect range of delicious offerings (savory to very, very sweet), this place makes me wish is was legal to live in a bakery.

P.S. - How great are their postcards!? I picked one up when I was in Ferndale this past weekend and had to share.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

a thousand colors


I always stress out when it comes to choosing a color palette. Here is a perfect example of how you don't have to! If you stay within the same tones, you can go as crazy as you want! My philosophy has (and always will be) "{Don't Be Afraid of Color}".

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

fashion week show notes



Fashion week in September is my favorite time of year. It just seems that it comes at such a crucial point - the dog days of summer are still lingering and I've used up all the creative ammunition I can muster.

Then all of a sudden I see collections like Diane VonFurstenberg come down the runway and realize these designers have been challenging themselves to think of something new for DECADES.

Every fashion week, I find myself following the goings on in different ways. Sometimes it's through other blogs, sometimes it's through Twitter, but this season it's through {Fashionista's Show Notes}. The details make you feel like you were there (for example: What kind of music was played?), the images are clear and the report is super concise.

Monday, September 10, 2012

weekend at the art fair


This weekend was my first art fair in my hometown of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. I am not exaggerating when I say that I've spent the last half of the summer, locked inside my house preparing for this. Many pieces I created got thrown out or painted over, leaving only the paintings that am 100% in love with.

My philosophy has always been that if I don't sell anything, I would gladly hang each and every piece in my bedroom. Luckily, that is not the case! I sold a handful of favorites, as well as took several orders for commissioned work. I also was approached by a couple local businesses that want to hang my artwork in their stores!

It's amazing what sitting in your basement until 3 am most week nights (and several weekends) will accomplish. I truly couldn't have done it without the love and support of my family and friends and hopefully it's only up from here!

Below is a sample of the work that was featured this past weekend. And head on over to {my facebook page} to see the rest!



Wednesday, September 5, 2012


Excuse my panic attacks, to everyone that has encountered me in the last week, but I am getting the jitters regarding my upcoming art fair appearance. I've never done anything like this before and my head is running a mile-a-minute - finishing up pieces, trying to think ahead, trying to put my best foot forward.

It's really hard to hang on and focus, and I can foresee a volcano of panic attacks erupting on the horizon. Any words of advice?

{image source}

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

year one


If you ever have the inclination that you don't grow or change much from year to year - start a blog. I did my very first post last Labor Day and as I look back on all of the postings I've done in the last twelve months, I've realized how much I have learned about myself, how much I have learned from others and how much I still have to learn as time goes on.

Obviously this inspiration blog would be nothing without the people that inspire me. Friends and family, other artists, other blogs all challenge me to work harder and (sooo cheesy) be BETTER! And I'm so thankful for that constant motivation. In particular, I'd like to thank my two sisters who are constantly helping with everything from pictures, to helping me execute my crazy ideas, to telling me "That looks really bad, Molly!" My boyfriend, for listening to my stream of consciousness on daily basis, taking me seriously, and offering advice. Friends (like Colleen, Emily, Rachel, Jeff & Sara Snow, etc. etc.) who are consistently encouraging and instant confidence boosters.

With that being said, I always appreciate the people that take the time to visit here, so thank YOU as well!

If I had any words of advice to any of you thinking of starting a blog it would be JUST DO IT! Not tomorrow. Today! I know, but who would read it? Who would care? I would! So there's one person. And you are probably a much better writer, designer or curator and probably proofread a lot better than I do!

Thanks again for your time and love! Cheers to the year ahead, eh?