Sketchy

So, I have several blogs that I read every day and that are a constant source of inspiration and ideas for me. My 2 favorites are Decor 8 and Design Sponge. On Decor 8, Holly always discusses inspiration- where it comes from, how to get it, how to share it. I am constantly inspired by all sorts of things- little bright spots in my day that give me good ideas. But, being an ADD head-case, I tend to forget things or get overwhelmed by the amount of stuff that comes to me all at once.... Enter the visual journal. Half sketchbook, half journal, half scrapbook, half coloring book- I never leave home without it. Its my little place to hold all the ideas and pictures and things I don't want to forget to try. I've been keeping them for a long time, and have discovered a funny side effect- they now serve as a reminder of the person I was at that time.
Here are some samples from the book I keep now. Enjoy.

Girl Crush: Heather Bailey

Girl Crush Alert! I first heard the term "girl crush" from my friend Laine-she was describing Audrey Tautou's character in Amelie- her favorite movie .... Anywho, I now have my very own girl crush! Heather Bailey-designer extraordinaire-makes so many adorable things! Even her blog (http://www.heatherbailey.typepad.com/) is super adorable. Her whole aesthetic is vintage-y and fun, whimsical and artsy. Take a look at some of her majorly cute ideas ( I am so ordering the "Trash Ties" for my hair...) Enjoy!

Some of the adorable fabrics available on her website as well as some of her hubby's photography that was featured in the April/May 08 Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion Magazine.

I am so ordering this bag pattern- and some fabric to make it with...

You can download this yummy ice cream recipe on these super cute cards- Yum!

Get it here: http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/heather_bailey/2008/06/you-scream-ice.html
"Trash Ties"- Heather's super cool hair toys!

So in Love with "Eat Pray Love"

I just finished listening to Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat Pray Love" on audio book this morning as I headed back from Dallas. I wish I were a writer like Elizabeth so that I could tell you (as eloquently as she could) how much I loved this book and how much I relate to it. Its a memoir telling the story of Ms. Gilbert's journey from a painful divorce through a year-long trip spanning Italy, India, and Indonesia. In each place, she seeks to experience one aspect of life that is done well by that particular culture: Pleasure in Italy, Spiritual Devotion in India, and the Art of a Balanced Life in Indonesia. Along the way, she, with great honestly and courage, relays every aspect of her journey- from the lowest depths of pain one night on her bathroom floor, to deeply personal spiritual awakenings, to her own thoughts and feelings about the human condition and her place in all of it. Both funny and deeply moving, this amazing book has really changed the way I will think about dealing with my own spirituality and finding my own little place in this big wide world. If you haven't read it, you absolutely should.

Hey Cupcake!

I just had to tell you about the cupcakes from Jesus that Grace and I just had....

We ventured to the adorable little airstream trailer on South Congress called "Hey Cupcake" for an afternoon treat. She had red velvet with cream chees icing and I had the Michael Jackson-a gooey chocolate cupcake with cream cheese on top. We sat on the car with cupcake slathered all over our faces and licked evey last crumb from our fingers. Perfect! A sweet treat with one of the sweetest people I know! Get down there and get a cupcake as quick as you can....Happy Friday to all!

Happy Weekend!

I'm off to Dallas to nurse my sick Geoff back to health.

I wonder if this is what Ellie does while I'm gone.....

Have a good weekend!