simply smitten...

... with all the pretty things from k.slademade. I seriously need to get my hands on one of these bags! ;)

(images via k.slademade)

stay positive

Hello, friends! How was your weekend?

I've had this bold and upbeat image from designer Ira Cummings bookmarked for a while now, and since I've been referring back to it a lot lately, I thought it would be nice to share it with you. Aren't I thoughtful? ;) I seriously want to hang a HUGE print of this!!!

So, when life throws a curve ball your way... try and stay positive! Things will get better. Life has a funny way of working itself out!

Happy Monday! Hope you all have a great start to the week....

bright, bold and powerful words. this print begs to be hung up in the skies for all to see, thanks for sharing love. what a great intention of the day (and all days!).

(Image via Ira Cummings)

and the winner is...

Congrats to Ashley from Run With Me. I'm sending you an email soon, so check your inbox! :)
Thanks to all that entered and and BIG thank you to Jackie for hosting this giveaway!

Even if you didn't win, you really should visit the Voz Shop - everything is handcrafted, super cool and really affordable!

Support the Arts. Support Handmade! xoxo

crave: grilled chicken w/ lemon basil pasta

Holy heck doesn't this look good? This needs to get in my belly. Right now!!



4 whole Grilled Chicken Breasts, Sliced
1 pound Penne Pasta, Cooked Until Al Dente
1/2 stick Butter
3 whole Lemons, Juiced
3/4 cup Heavy Cream
1/4 cup Half-and-half
1-1/2 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese (or Romano)
Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
20 whole Basil Leaves, Chopped

Cook pasta, reserving 1 cup of hot pasta water when you drain. Set pasta aside in a colander.

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Squeeze in the juice of 3 to 4 lemons. Whisk together. Pour in cream and half-and-heat. Whisk until hot. Dump in cheese and whisk until melted. Add salt and pepper. Check consistency, adding some of the hot pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Pour pasta and sauce into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle remaining basil all over the top, then add sliced chicken breasts. Serve immediately!

(image + recipe via the pioneer woman)

artist love: jaakko mattila

I just recently stumbled across the amazing work of Finnish artist Jaakko Mattila, and I CANNOT stop looking at it! The simplicity, the colors, the abstract compositions... I love it all. Seriously, this may just be my favorite artist feature to date!

Dude's got skillz! :) You can see more awesomeness here.

(image via Jaakko Mattila)

shop spotlight + a giveway!

Guys, I'm so excited to share with you one of my lastest Etsy finds, Voz Clothing & Art. As you probably already know, I'm totally obsessed with abstract & geometric prints, so when I stumbled across this bangle, I was in L-O-V-E!!

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT VOZ
Voz Clothing & Art and was started as a means of expressing life, culture, love for music and creativity through wearable art. Voz is steeped in: positivity, diversity, karma, all cultures, freedom of speech, the pursuit of happiness, artistic vision, equality regardless, the mom and pop shop, and humor at all times.

Jackie is the talented chick behind Voz, and says it would be nothing without her many inspirations, such as: road trips, family, succulents, culture, crate digging, independent spirits, flea markets, animal documentaries especially on sharks, hidden graffiti, the fruit man, color charts, music that makes you move and the token of true love – the mix tape.

Creative. Fun. Generous. And we share so many of the same inspirations. No wonder I have a girl crush. :)

Ok, aren't her hand painted wares fun? Want to win one her her cool creations?? Jackie, the kind and generous soul that she is, is offering up any piece from her shop to one lucky reader!!

* You MUST be a follower of CI through GFC or Bloglovin' *
- Visit the Voz Shop and leave a comment with your fave accessory!
Anything is the shop is up for grabs, so take your pick!!

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
(leave separate comments for each extra entry!)

- Follow CI on twitter.
- Follow Voz on twitter.
- Follow Voz on facebook.
-Tweet about this giveaway.
Just entered an awesome giveaway from @vozchica via @creative_index! http://tinyurl.com/3k3phtc

. . . . . . . . .

Giveaway closes on Tuesday, August 23rd at 10PM EST.
Winner will be chosen on Wednesday, August, 24th via random.org.

pinterest picks #02

Hello sweet friends! How was your weekend? Mine was fun filled and family packed! Last night while relaxing and catching up on all my shows (and blogs!), I clicked on over to Pinterest, and found the usual sea of loveliness awaiting me. Here are a few of my favorite picks...

1. Need to order these for my next party! /// 2. Totally swooning over this dress!! /// 3. Taking a gallery wall to another level! Love the fun striped wall! /// 4. Such awesome table styling!! So playful and fun!

Can you tell I love stripes? ;)
Are you on Pinterest? What do you find you pin the most of?

links + things for your weekend

Hello + Happy Friday, friends! The weekend is upon us and I for one am excited!! Tonight, we're going to see my cousin's band play at the beach club, and then we have family parties both Saturday and Sunday! We're busy little bee's this weekend! ;)

What are your plans? Are you in-store for a fun-filled or low-key weekend? And as always, how about a few links from around the web...

Kids clothing that has ADORABLE written on every piece.

7 signs you need a vacay.

LOVE this "Oh S#*!" eraser iphone case.

How many of these candy bars can you identify?

A guide to hanging curtain panels.

Amplify your eyes.

Cool off with a sweet treat.

Tips for moving long distances.

Creative ways to use pizza dough.

Have a good one, my sweet friends! xo

(image via here)

crave: avocado chicken salad

The flavors of this chicken salad are definitely reminiscent of summer. I love avocado, so to fill it with other yummy stuff, I’m in heaven!

And if you've got a bit of leftover chicken from the night before, this is a great way to use it up for lunch. Can't wait to give this a try!



1 cup chicken breast, cooked and shredded
¼ cup corn
¼ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
¼ cup green onions, chopped
¼ cup tomatoes, diced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup corn chips, crushed
2 tablespoons white vinegar
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt to taste
2-4 avocados, sliced in half with pits discarded

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken breast, corn, black beans, green onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and corn chips together. Add the vinegar and mayonnaise to mixture and toss to coat. Salt to taste. Spoon salad into halved avocados. Serve immediately with a spoon and fork. Enjoy!

(image + recipe via cheeky kitchen)

simply smitten: chandeliers

I'm obsessed with chandeliers! I love how they instantly add a girly touch to any space... and whenever we decide to purchase a home, adding a sparkly chandy will definitely be on the to-do list! You can never have enough bling! ;)

Happy Wednesday! xo

(images via 1 // 2 // 3)

summer fun: sidewalk "paint"

Hello Friends! How was your weekend? Looking to get the kids outside for some summertime fun? I have a solution for you.... sidewalk paint! This stuff is washable and edible and easy to make. Just combine one part water to one part cornstarch, then add food coloring. Easy peasy! (If you use to much food coloring, it may stain. So use at your own risk!)

For the full how-to (and to see more photos) visit Wendolonia.

(image via wendolonia)

two years

Two years ago I married my best friend and partner in crime.

He loves me unconditionally, always knows the right thing to say and can make me laugh until I cry. He's honest, has such strong faith and cares about everyone. He gives me the last bit of ice cream and brings me flowers for no real reason. As each day passes, I can honestly say that my love for him grows deeper and stronger, and I look forward to all the new adventures and memories this coming year will bring.

a lovely bridal shower

Hello + Happy Thursday, friends! Just wanted to pop in for a minute and share a glimpse of my cousin's bridal shower we had this past Saturday. We couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was beautiful, the food was delicious (my aunt's made it all!) and it was really fun to catch up with everyone!

And see those invitations? I designed them! ;) If you're interested in design services, I'd love to help! Drop me a line and we can chat!