music mondays

Have a wonderful start to the week everyone!

finally, friday

Scenes from a day at the beach. Man, God really did make such a beautiful world that we live in. I can't help but be amazed at all the beautiful things he created, and then think about all the things He's created that we haven't even discovered. On this particular day there were tons of jellies, namely the Portuguese Man o' War, that had wash up on the beach. Though they're beautiful with all their blue, turquoise and purple colors, they've got a mean sting. Funny that something so beautiful could be so harmful. Anyway, those are just some thoughts to leave you to the weekend... have an absolutely wonderful one!

Did you know that there's seaweed in the ice cream you buy at the store (carrageenan, and ingredient made from seaweed)? Well, if that wasn't enough for you, there's also a beer that is flavored with seaweed too!

You beer enthusiasts and aficionados thought the seaweed beer was weird? What about beer made from whale bone??

Does anyone want to give me enough money to buy one of these amazing outdoor tents? Because I really, really want one. Thanks.

I'm loving this current day interpretation of a child's drawings made into art.

With summer in full swing, and peaches in season, I just might make this drool worthy recipe. Or hope it shows up magically in the kitchen.

I have to say, these are some of the cutest date cards I've ever seen... would you say yes to a date because of how cute they are?

music mondays

Forgot how much I love this song...

finally, friday

I took a day trip with a friend to a place I've been dying to visit-- Big Sur, California. It is just as stunning and beautiful a place as I imagined. The water is aqua blue, the town is quiet, the trees are big (duh, redwoods), and everything about it is gorgeous. We did a couple short hikes to see the view of the valley and a waterfall, went beachcombing and played on the beach, and of course, went to see the infamous McWay Falls. If that picture of McWay Falls isn't gorgeous already, those flowers that grew on the side of the mountain made it even prettier! I love that you can go to the see the oceanside and hike amongst the Redwoods in a matter of minutes-- California really is an amazing place. I also heard a law passed in the 70's that stated you can't build a house anywhere in view of the highway, which is why there are hardly any homes developed in view. I love that because it's absolutely preserved the natural beauty of the area instead of making it look inundated with humans. It was a wonderful day, one of the best I've had this summer. I hope you're getting out of the house this weekend and doing some adventuring of your own, even if it means heading down to your local farmers market or hanging out at a park. Cheers!

Genius idea against food waste... I wish we did that here in the states.

I am in utter awe of this volcano in Congo, I very badly want to go!

If you've been keeping up with me on instagram, I just recently finished my diving certification and got certified in Monterey, CA... I would love to dive these remaining spots.

Less need to worry about your delicious oysters disappearing, the EPA passed a bill that should help with ocean acidification, but it shouldn't (and hopefully won't) just end there! Keep doing your part. :)

How awesome is this hand woven scarf? It makes me want a loom...

music mondays

I know many of you have probably already seen this, but I just think it's too beautiful not to share.

what goes around comes back around...

Lately I've been super into 90's fashion. The makeup was always on point with either a super clean fresh face, or a more grungy vibe. I especially love the minimalist, simple silhouettes and the looks that gave off that rocker, grungy-chic vibe. While there were a few trends during that time that did not make it on my radar, there were a lot of looks that have inspired my day to day dressing-- only made into a more current and modern version of the classic 90's. Here are a few old and new looks that I'm loving.

you make me feel brand new

Yes folks, I turned that ugly orange "thing" into a usable modern ottoman! It was by far the biggest project I have worked on to date and my first reupholstery project. I found this thing at a random garage sale for $6 and boy, did I not know what I was getting myself into. I had no clue what this project would entail, especially because of the piece I had chosen. Let's just say it wasn't the easiest first upholstery project to start with, but I'm so happy that I finished it and it didn't turn out to be a complete disaster! I spent a good amount of time prepping this thing by ripping, stripping, and prying off any material and (excessive) amount of staples that had been put in this thing. Then, much of my time was spent making a pattern, measuring, sewing, re-measuring, and re-sewing until everything was right and I was able to put the whole thing together. It was definitely a time consuming project, but in the end I was so happy with the finished result. Although there are some things I probably screwed up on, the important thing is it's functional, way easier on the eyes, and I learned a whole lot through the process of doing it.

If you're interested in finding out exactly how I reupholstered this, leave a comment below and I'd be happy to add detailed instructions on how I did so.

music mondays

it's monday, let there be music.