Inspired Translation #1

Today I’m excited to introduce a new series! Kyla, from Kyla is Inspired and I are teaming up to share a little bit about how and where we find our inspiration. Inspired Translation will be a bi-weekly series, where we'll be designing a quote around an interesting photo and exploring various design and typography styles. The thing I love about this series, is seeing how the same image inspires us the same.... and differently.



THE INSPIRATION: This super fun and whimsical photo. The confetti wall is so colorful and the chair brings a sleek, modern element to the room. And the ice cream cone planter is just the cutest thing ever!

THE QUOTE: All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. -Ralph Waldo Emerson





MY TRANSLATION: I wanted to keep simple and fun. I kept the background gray (just like the wall) and used the diamond pattern from the ice cream cone planter to bring in some texture. The bright pops of color and mix of fonts keep it modern and fun, just like the photo.


Want to see what Kyla came up with using the same photo as inspiration? Head on over to Kyla is Inspired and check it out. I'm so excited to continue this series and I can't wait to see what we come up with next!


Image: confetti wall

Artist Love: Sarah Otts

These gorgeous paintings by Sarah Otts are keeping me inspired this Wednesday morning. I'm in love with the thick dabs and smears of paint and her color palettes are just amazing! Oh, and how about those pops of metallic by using gold leaf... I love the contrast it adds. I'm completely smitten with her work!

Head on over to her site to see more...


Images via: Sarah Otts

Currently...

craving
For some reason, I've been on a blueberry muffin kick. When I spotted this bread, I knew I had to pin-it. Doesn't it look delish? It's going on my "must make soon" list.

loving
This new font I recently downloaded. I just think it's a cute and simple font. And for only $5 bucks, I couldn't resist!

wanting
This (removable!) wallpaper. The Hubs doesn't care for it much, but I like it. I would love to use it as an accent wall in my office... if I had one!

looking forward to
The weekend! We're heading up to Pitt for the weekend to help my sister move. Not really looking forward to the "moving" part, but at least I'll get to see my sister and Mom! Plus, Pitt is one of my fave cities, so I'm excited to head up there for a couple days!


What are you currently craving, loving, wanting or looking forward to?


images via: bread // font // wallpaper // pittsburgh

Giveaway // Win a Print from Albie Designs

Remember when I gushed about these prints? Well, the very talented Kim, from Albie Designs, wants to give a $50 store credit to one very lucky reader!!

We all of have a special place in our hearts for a certain city. Whether it's your hometown, where you went on your honeymoon or a place you dream of visiting someday, Kim has a wonderful collection of  fun illustrations of different cities all around the US and abroad. I'm still holding out for a Buffalo print, but I'm also partial to the Manhattan & Pittsburgh prints. Okay, ready to enter? Simply use the Rafflecopter tool below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to all. Winning entry will be verified.

Giveaway // Win an iPhone case from Katie Wohl

How about a GIVEAWAY to start off your Tuesday! :)

Katie Wohl is the talented artist behind Katnawlins. Born and raised in the fabulous city of New Orleans, LA, she currently lives in Los Angeles, but is constantly inspired by her hometown. She creates original and unique pieces (iphone cases, prints, pillows, etc.) based on her acrylic paintings and colored pencil drawings.

"Everything I create is inspired by the funky & lush beats of New Orleans."

She seriously has so many fun patterns! I just love all the bold, geometric designs she creates! Wouldn't you just LOVE seeing one of these fun cases on your iPhone? Well, Katie has been so generous to offer up one case, to one lucky reader! To enter simply use the Rafflecopter tool below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to all. Winning entry will be verified.
Don't have an iPhone? You can still enter. If you win, give it to someone as a gift! :)

Promo code valid on US orders only. Expires Sept. 1, 2013.

Decorate Your Desktop

It's time to celebrate with the things bloggers love most: freebies and giveaways! :)

I'm feeling so happy because this little blog turned 3! I have a few fun things planned this week, and first up is a new desktop/iphone wallpaper! Set this image as your wallpaper, and have a consistent reminder to choose joy and be happy. Life it too short to be anything but!


Now, decorate your desktop! Just click on a link below:
2560 x 1440 // 1680 x 1050 // 1440 x 900 // 1280 x 800 // ipad // iphone4 // iphone5


Reminder: Free for personal use ONLY. They cannot be used for or commercial use or edited and redistributed. Feel free to share/pin this download. Please link directly to this post and not the downloadable file. If you have any issues, please let me know! Thanks! :)

Three

So, this past week was my three year blog anniversary! I honestly can't believe I've been at it for 3 years! I truly appreciate the time you take to read my posts and leave such wonderful comments/emails. Your input means so much and I am so grateful for your continued support over the past three years.

It's been an amazing journey so far and I'm excited to see what the coming year has to bring! :)

Love, Jess


PS: I'm obsessed with Maddie on Things! Seriously, such a cute dog/blog!


Image: Maddie on Things / Theron Humphry

Lovely Links & Things

Any fun plans for the weekend? We were going to head up to the beach, but the Husband picked up some overtime shifts, so I'm not really sure what our plans are. :-/ Hopefully we can still get out and do something, but if not, I might attempt that pretty mason jar DIY... or work on some design projects! I'm working on 2 new blog designs and I can't wait to share! :)

How about some links, if you feel like browsing this weekend...

+ Kind of in love with this striped dress.
+ Did somebody say chocolate cake?
+ DIY to try: Colored Mason Jars
+ How to juice without a juicer!
+ Obsessed with these watercolor paintings! 
+ I love coffee mugs and type and these mugs are pretty perfect.
+ Intrigued by edible flowers.
+ How to wear a t-shirt and still look stylish.
+ Can't wait for my latest Etsy purchase (necklace) to arrive!
+ Pretty Summer hair ideas.


In case you missed it:
+ A Mother's Day gift roundup, if you still need some ideas.
+ Create: Painted (clay) diamond earrings.


Make sure to check in next week! I have some fun things planned to celebrate 3 years of blogging!! :)

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Can you believe Mother's Day is just around the corner?! I put a little roundup together in case you're still in need of some gift ideas. If you order online, just make sure you can get it in time, but many of these items could probably be found in-store. Oh, almost everything is under $100! :)


happy shopping: . 1. picture frames // 2. daisy perfume // 3. drop earrings // 4. chanel nail color // 5. glassware // 6. memory book // . . . 7. stud earrings // 8. candle // 9. clutch // 10. dior lipstick // 11. watch // 12. sandals // 13. scarf