OFFICE REMIX : THE INSPIRATION

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chair / boxes / light / shelves / vase / filing cabinet / lamp / rug 

I've been on a mission lately to get my office in shape for the busy months ahead.  Throughout the year I have arranged and re-arranged (using what I've had for a long time) to find that it just hasn't been quite right.  You see, a big issue is my battle between keeping everything organized and visually pleasing versus functionality (aka having my supplies out at all times so I can quickly and easily stop and start projects).  I decided to take the time to evaluate my process, the things I'm using everyday, and what set up will work best and keep me inspired for the long run. 

A few things I've considered are that I need three main areas in my office.  I need my messy table where I paint, my desk with my computer where I do my e-mailing, editing photos, etc) and a clean table I can use for packaging client projects and photographing my products.  Also, I've decided what bothers me most is seeing lose papers everywhere (and there are a ton of them between paintings, scans for clients, actual business paperwork, etc).  I decided to get a few filing cabinets like the above simple white one from Ikea.  These have helped sort my papers and I labeled each drawer with things like "artwork originals", "client artwork / scans", "to be scanned", etc.  This has helped tremendously in cleaning up the place!  Just a small step into it's complete makeover but I'm excited about the way things are turning out.  I took some (scary) before pictures so I hope to share both once I'm finished.  The above spaces are a few that inspire me greatly.  The fresh white walls, inspiration boards, and fun lights and accessories…love. 

Any tips on how you stay organized and productive while maintaining a space that is aesthetically pleasing?  Any resources for your favorite office supplies and furniture? 

And also, happy friday! xx 

OFFICE ADDITIONS : THE PERFECT DESK LAMP

My mom and I went crazy at Ikea the other day.  It was long over due.  I go in phases of being really into getting my office space in shape, then the busyness of work / life takes over and I go back to being unorganized.  Things have been especially busy this spring, so with growth comes change.  I decided it's time to start thinking of practical (yet still pretty and inspiring) ways to keep everything is order.  What better place to start getting some staples than Ikea... I just appreciate the many color and size options and how items still look sleek without breaking the bank.  Among other things I got the other day, this lamp was a little extra find that I intend to use for sketching.  I'm crazy obsessed with it, but it's little brass details and black and white patterned cord are irresistible! And perfectly inline with the style of my studio.  The floor lamp version of this was quite tempting as well (maybe for the living room).  More updates soon xo

Shop this guy right here

WEEKEND BAKING : FUDGE, PEPPERMINT BARK, & SUGAR COOKIES

A little weekend baking inspiration.  If you need a last minute gift or something to bring to a holiday party, I think something sweet and homemade is just perfect.  I can't believe how ambitious I got yesterday! It was fun to have my mom and grandmother over to help bake treats for everyone.  Hunter was the taste tester and he approved.  The bark is especially delicious and the fudge was super fast and easy.  Here are the directions and ingredients for all: 

CANDY CANE FUDGE: 

110 (this was about a bag and a half) candy cane herseys kisses (unwrapped of course)

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup butter cut into pieces

crushed candy canes or peppermints 

*Spray pan with nonstick spray and line with wax or parchment paper so that it comes up two sides (you'll want to use this as a "handle" to pull the fudge out of the pan later on).  In a medium bowl (glass or pyrex) combine the kisses, milk, and butter.  Microwave in 30 second bursts stirring each time until smooth and melted. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top.  Sprinkle the crushed candy canes and press lightly so they stay.  Chill for at least two hours or until hardened. Use the wax paper like handles to pull the fudge out, remove wax paper and lay on cutting board.  Cut and serve or store at room temp or in the freezer. 

PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE BARK COOKIES: 

2 cups flour

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg yolk 

6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped candy canes or herseys candy cane kisses

2 ounces white chocolate

*Preheat oven to 350.  Spray 13 x 9 pan with non stick spray and line with parchment. Again, you'll be using this as a "handle".  Beat butter in a large bowl until creamy.  Gradually beat in sugar.  Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla then egg yolk. Gradually ass flour and salt, beating on low just to blend.  Drop dough in prepared pan spacing evenly.  Use moistened fingertips to press dough evenly along the bottom of the pan.  Pierce dough all over with a fork.  Bake the cookie base for about 30 minutes, until light golden brown and the sides start coming away from the sides of the pan.  Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top and let stand until they soften, just a few minutes. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly.  Immediately sprinkle chopped candy cane on top.   Separately, microwave and stir white chocolate in small bursts until smooth.  If it's to thick add a little vegetable oil (I had to).  Use a fork to drizzle the white chocolate on top.  Cool until white chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes. Using the paper as your handle, remove from pan and place on a cutting board.  Using a large knife, cut the bark into irregular shapes or squares if you prefer! 

For the sugar cookies, I just made classic cookies with vanilla frosting following these two recipes: 

Cookies / Frosting

HAPPY BAKING! 

xox

WEEKEND SCENES

As of lately : 

{ enjoying some treats & marking up my new Sugar Paper LA calendar // our tree at night // beginnings of gift wrapping // experimenting with nude lips // decorating the table (with help of Fendi, of course) // visiting the rose garden at Ringling with Cami // Country Dog sleeping under the tree // December in Florida (sunset photo shoot) // Oxford Exchange for my birthday  }

Happy Monday!

xox

BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

We got our tree up this week! It feels crazy that Christmas is almost here but having the tree and lights on every night has definitely been getting me into the spirit.  I decided I wanted to decorate very simple this year.  Our tree has white lights and just kraft paper ornaments.  I got these at Michaels, they were in the craft section meant to be painted or turned into something more exciting I suppose.  I loved them in their natural state and they ended up being under $1 each! I had leftover flowers and greenery from a photo shoot so I made tiny arrangements and added some rosemary and pine (cut from the back of the tree) to spruce up my end tables.  Now onto completing the shopping list.  

xox 

HELLO NOVEMBER

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I can't believe today is November 1st.  Even though I'm a bit saddened by how fast this year has gone by, I'm thankful that the last three months of the year are filled with fun holidays, cool weather, and lots of family / friend gatherings.  The above photos make me extra excited for these things, such a warm and cozy vibe.  

Happy Friday xox

WISHLISTED : HOME EDITION

chair / lights / vases / feather print / antlers / dot pillow / wave pillow / chair / wallpaper 

One of my biggest goals this year is to put some time and love into making my house the coziest, happiest, most comfortable place ever.  I am almost embarrassed to say that I have owned this house for coming up on two years now and I have hardly done anything noteworthy to it.  Well, I take that back...it was all those really important things that you will never see that we had to spend the time and money on first. The plumbing, new dry wall in my office, fixing the majority of the windows due to termite damage from before I moved in, the exterior is in the process of a facelift, etc.  All completely necessary but not the fun stuff.  So right after Christmas, I went nuts and painted everything white.  I painted a black accent wall in the entry way and a few old side tables got painted black as well.  I love vintage and antiques but was scared that my house would turn into a total pastel / candy land / grandma house. I have found that the black and white is the perfect mix of keeping the old treasures I love while incorporating new modern pieces. It's always been hard for me to decide on a favorite color, or even a scheme.  I think the black and white will allow me to collect all the weird fun things I love and switch them out depending on my mood or seasonally.  So now I'm looking forward to collecting all those little things that will make this house feel like me.  And make it a cozy place for us and for hopefully more entertaining! 

xx