CHRISTMAS THINGS

 A few snaps of Christmas around the house.  Our tree started out as a boho woodland theme but now I just keep collecting cute animals for it.  The ceramic paint tube and paint brush from Anthropologie last year are my favorite though. I picked up a few more from there this year (like the deer below).  Less is more for me with Christmas decor, or maybe it's because I have expensive taste in ornaments. haha. More importantly, Urban Outfitters instagrammed the above photo of my tree yesterday and I was pretty stoked about it to say the least! 

 Cable knit stockings from Target, a fresh wreath, and greenery I clipped from the back of the tree for the mantle.

 A dream catcher I found at a thrift store

 The kitty girls being cozy together (only when it gets chilly in the house)

Hope you are enjoying the holidays and finding some time to relax.  Today is my last 'real' day for the week and I'm looking forward to sleeping in, gift exchanging, and cooking with my family. 

XO 

HAPPY FRIDAY + SOME LINKS

'poppy' print available in my shop

Happy Friday! 

A few favorites as of late... 

*This floral print dress, to die for

*This, because it's awesome

*Beautiful floral inspiration 

*I've been looking for some fire place / mantel inspiration, this one is gorge

*Cutest camera straps 

*Delicious looking eggplant recipe (this whole blog has great stuff, click through the photo to see)

*An inspiring fall color palette 

*Loving bow tie blouses, particularly this one from Nasty Gal 

*Gucci S/S '16... unreal!

XOXO 

WEEKEND SCENES

I know, a couple days late on sharing some weekend scenes but these little snippets from the weekend made me happy so I decided to compile them anyways. 

I've been working on some paintings for my shop (I've posted a few sneak peaks but have some new things as well).  I keep an ongoing list of quotes and words that inspire me, it was time to start lettering some new ones.  I may add a little design to some of these but I always love how simple the black and white look (especially when nicely framed)... 

I've been really into painting floraly letters.  I'm excited to share what I have in store for these.  Although, since a few friends asked already I think I will offer a little alphabet poster similar to how the original looks below...

 Friday night we went to see some favorite bands play in Tampa (Mickey Avalon, Pepper, Rebelution, and Sublime with Rome).  It was a blast! (instax photo by @influencegirl ).  Although rainy most of the day, it brought cooler weather for the evening outside // Saturday I made the rounds visiting some friends and doing a little shopping of course! I've been wearing my new converse a ton (from the kids section at Nordstrom Rack, ha!). I tried on some of Camilyn Beth's new fall pieces at her studio and fell in love with them all! // Sunday was back in the studio painting and planning shoots.  Little Twiggy always seems to find the best light as she perfectly places herself on my sketches by the window.

Hope you are having lovely week! 

XO 

SKETCH THE ORDINARY

After being out of town for awhile and many days of seemingly endless rain I've felt a little cooped up.  Complete with a desk full of half finished sketches.  I've needed a little inspiration, in the form of changing things around... cleaning up, sprucing up, and rearranging.  I don't know about you but moving things around my house and studio every once in awhile makes me happy and gives me a fresh perspective when beginning new projects.  And as I arranged, I looked to my favorite random objects and little vignettes to inspire me.  I especially love this window in our kitchen.  The rain has been falling on it perfectly.  The plants are overgrowing. The tiny glass jars typically contain clippings, wildflowers, or herbs that Hunter brings home to me.  This week it was rosemary, my favorite. Once again proving that inspiration is literally all around us.  Sometimes we just need to be more present to notice.  

Hope you all are feeling inspired and having a lovely week.  My travel photos are almost ready to be shared! 

  XO 

HAPPY FRIDAY + SOME LINKS

Happy Friday! 

I'm thankful this week is over as it was a little rough, but always sad to see how fast a week just flies by these days.  How do we make time slow down? 

Here are a few things I enjoyed this week from around the web: 

* An important topic on Design Sponge about fears, things that scare me

*An article on Garance Dore, turning dream jobs into reality

*This perfect bathroom makeover  with brass details

*This incredible, eclectic home tour on Apartment Therapy

*These mules are too die for, preferably the pink or the dot pattern

*Holyyy key lime pie on a stick, these look even better than the ones in Key West ;)

Enjoy your weekend.  XO 

WEEKEND NOTES : HOME

Can someone please explain why it feels like Monday again today? I'm tired. 

I didn't do much this weekend besides try to relax, clean up the house, and sketched a TON for upcoming projects (that I can't wait to share).  I also added a few new prints to the shop including these fun florals, a couple easter cards, and the colorful poppies!  

XO 

HAWAIIAN MULES + A RELAXED GIRLS NIGHT

Saturday night I hosted a little girls night at my house.  Really hoping this will become at least a monthly thing!  It's so fun to entertain and experiment with crafting different cocktails.  Having simple snacks like a cheese plate, a "featured" cocktail, and some fresh flowers really brings everything together with minimal effort.  Relaxed, simple, and fun are always my goals when having anyone over.  We've all been into mules lately so we let the Hawaiian mules be the focus of this gathering.  

To make: 

Approx. 1/2 cup of pineapple vodka 

Half a can of ginger beer (we like goslings brand)

Splash of pineapple juice 

Squeeze of fresh lime 

Garnish with fresh pineapple, serve, and enjoy! 

XO

STUDIO WORK LIFE / LATELY

It's been a whirlwind lately with the holidays in full swing.  Here is a little glimpse inside December so far.  My favorite month! 

(above) Some of my favorite cards from my shop.  Remember, this is the last weekend to shop! I'm closing my shop for holiday at the end of next week. Thursday will be the last date to receive orders in time for Christmas! 

 Client meetings with beautiful and delicious lattes at Oxford Exchange 

Some office snaps: A little corner of my studio (looking forward to get a little more organized up in here for 2015) / Calligraphy in grey tones (favorite!) / More poppies of course / some of my favorite greyscale floral prints available in the shop

The art of preserving flowers and my velvet ribbon obsession continues

My renewed passport aka daydreaming a lot about my upcoming trip to Antarctica.  Only 15 more days until we leave.  I am over the moon excited for this experience. 

Celebrated my birthday (a few times).  As usual my family, friends, and Hunter made the whole week exciting and special.  There were lots of flowers, cocktails, and cake.  Brunching and dinner. And my mom and I went to Orlando for the night.  We stayed at the Grand Bohemian, got massages, and did some shopping.  It was all perfect! 

Finally, my favorite little Christmas scene in the house. I love everything smelling like fresh pine right now.  

___________

As for this weekend I will be catching up on painting and editing, wrapping presents, beginning to bake, and working on some fun projects for this little ole blog.  Hope everyone has a lovely weekend as well.   xox 

FROM THE SEA TO THE CITY

Just a few snapshots from recent beach shoots over the past couple weeks.  It's been HOT lately, but at least our little island provides the most beautiful scenery to make a day outside worth it.  I'm leaving mermaid life behind this week and heading to NYC! It's been way too long since I've visited the city and I'm dying with excitement.  New York is so inspiring and some of my favorite people live there.  I can't wait to come back with a ton of photos and fresh ideas.  I'm kicking off the weekend with my mom's birthday today, Hunter's sisters wedding tomorrow, then I leave bright and early Sunday morning and it will be non stop through next week.  Also gearing up for some fun projects and shoots in July that I can't wait to share.  

Have an amazing weekend! Be back next week. xx 

LATELY

A few snaps from the past week or so via my iphone / instagram (follow along @shannonkirsten)

Lots of coffees, spring-y things, and trying to get some cooking in when I have the time.  We started an herb garden recently and I just love going outside to clip them before I start cooking dinner.  I've also been trying to make the perfect iced coffee at home (i.e. rather than starbucks every day).  I haven't quite got it right but I will surely share the recipe when I'm pleased with it! Be back with some fun new projects soon. xo

HOME SWEET HOME

There not many things I enjoy more than traveling.  Although, coming back home is one of the best parts. Everything seems that much more cozy and welcoming.  I had a BLAST in New Orleans this weekend! but I'm excited to get back to work on fall projects and editing lots of photos.  I also missed these fur balls and Hunter so much.  I love how excited the animals are to see me after I've been gone, they are my favorite, sweetest little nuggets.  I am so looking forward to sharing some Nola snaps and behind the scenes of Camilyn Beth's first fashion show!  More on that soon. 

xox