It's the Simple Things (Gratitude PhotoJournal):

God knows how much I adore Anthropologie. I saw this vase in their store a couple months back and fell in love with it but opted not to get it. I don't remember why. By the time I made it back home, I regretted not buying the vase. My birthday weekend rolled around and I went back to Anthro to spend some bday cash. While waiting to be rung up, I saw this very vase behind the register (as if it was being held for someone). I asked if it was being held for someone and the cashier said no. Deep down, I knew God was holding it for me as an extra special birthday gift ( as if turning 25 wasn't enough). I love seeing it when I wake up. It's a reminder that God delights in giving us the simple things we often forget about.

I have a really good sense of smell and my sensory memory is on point. Everytime I smell this air freshener, it reminds of one of my "big sisters" and how much I loved hanging with her. She was just so cool (still is, of course) but she used to have this in her car so of course, I now love the scent and keep it in my car too. When I get a whiff of it, I think of her!

After a long day of work and if the sun is still up by the time I leave my office, I come here to clear my head, listen to soothing music, and get in touch with God. Nature has a really calming effect on me. You can't really tell from the picture but the scenery goes on for miles and miles. This is just a snippet of God's beauty. I appreciate the work He's put in so that I can feel some peace and quiet.

I'm extremely grateful for one of my best friends encouraging me to figure out how to do my own mani/pedis. I've saved so much money thanks to her! Plus, picking out colors that you get to keep is fun!

It's so important to keep a reminder of God's Word somewhere around you. I wrote this in my planner as encouragement to get through a never-ending week of work, work, work!

Now Playing:

Artist: Melody Gardot
Song: Our Love Is Easy


Melody Gardot's voice has a way of calming and slowing me down. I'm appreciative. Check out her music. Her voice, thoughtful lyrics, and gorgeous instrumentation make for a magically exquisite mix. 

Chef Boyar-DANI: Fruit Salad

 One of my favorite summer dishes for breakfast or lunch (or dinner, for that matter) is a colorful fruit salad. I usually have a variation of fruits and veggies every day but I also do fruit smoothies since I'm usually on the go. A fruit salad is THE easiest dish in the entire world.  I'm obsessed with rainier cherries this season so I've been buying (and eating) them like crazy. You'll see a couple of them peeking out at the top! Bananas, mango, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, kiwis, and oranges make up this fun mix! Make sure to incorporate fruits and veggies in your diet every day. Your body will thank you! :)

mon{diy}Day: jewelry art

So I have collected quite a bit of necklaces, bracelets and rings over the years. I do a pretty good job of keeping track of them however I can't tell you how many times I've had to detangle necklaces from one another! Can we say "annoying"?? So, I saw the jewelry art idea in a boutique and decided that I would do a similar version at home one day. FYI: I have plenty of friends who don't wear jewelry but still want to try something like this. This is a great project if you just want to have a really pretty bulletin board as well! No one's left out! :)

Supplies needed:

• Fabric
• Fabric Glue and/or Glue Gun
• Paint
• Picture Frame
• Pushpins
• Exacto Knife
• Scissors
• Paint Brush
• Ruler
• Corkboard

I was at the Goodwill considering this frame when I accidentally dropped. I figured since I broke it, I might as well buy it *shrug*. 

I took out the broken glass, picture and cardboard backing. Now, it's paint time!

                                          

 When you put the corkboard around the cardboard, you can attach the two with a stapler. 

**Note- Make sure you cut the cardboard backing (from the purchased frame) and cut it smaller. Use a ruler to measure it so that the cardboard, corkboard and fabric can all fit back into the frame. :)

Use the fabric glue to attach the fabric to the corkboard and secure with more staples! Then you should be able to securely stuff the completed board back into the frame! I messed up a little on this one but you can at least get the general idea. 

Here's the first one I did for my necklaces. I have another one to do for my necklaces so for now, they're a little crowded! haha :)

I took it outside of the closet just so you can see it with better light: 

Here it is hanging in the closet:

Fun project! :)

Stay Tuned...

I decided to pick up where I left off months ago. The past couple months have been interesting (for lack of a better word). I was so consumed with everything that one day, I looked up and it was August. I can't honestly say that I've taken time to enjoy the summer as much as I would've liked to. That's no way to live life. Summer is one of my favorite months and I've spent it cooped up in an office. If I were to continue this way, someday I'd look up and be 65 wondering where the time went. I won't allow that to be me. I started this blog with the intention of having fun, exploring my creative side, writing about things I'm interested in, and sharing with whosoever will read.  I'm considering the end of this month (aka next week) my starting point with the blog (for the second time)! Stay tuned and I hope you're enjoying your summer to the fullest!

Love,
Dani :)