Baby Love

This past weekend I popped in for a quick visit to my close friends and their adorable son Jameson. I can't believe how much he has grown since I last saw him 2 weeks ago. Congrats to the amazing new parents!

Purpose

Amazing words written to my Momma and my aunts from my Granddaddy before he passed away. Sometimes I feel like he wrote them for me too.

My aunt gave me a copy of this backed with a photo of my Granddaddy.
To our family it is our "purpose card". I keep mine in my wallet.

Yes- the world seems in turmoil + I'm just trying to get by. It's all ahead for you girls + I know you will have happy lives. Always have some purpose in life - not a big campaign - but a just purpose to do good - help others + be radiant + happy all the time.  In the real raw scene of life - you + only you can do for you + in so doing you help + inspire + set examples for others.
I love + miss you all,
Dad

Being Authentic

New Girl is such a great show for so many reasons. 

One of which being the funny and ever so adorable Jess. 

She is quirky and silly and undeniably her authentic self 

It got me thinking about how sometimes in life we may unintentionally change little things about ourselves for others, and how amazing it would be if more of us really embraced our authentic selves and all our little quirks.

I like to craft, and there is nothing that makes me happier than making something. I have "creative ADD" and I love it.  I may have a ton of projects going and sometimes it takes me forever to finish them, like years. Or I might not finish them at all. I buy things at Britex for no other reason than they inspire me. I say words like putter, shwoop and wicked. I get extremely excited about great stationary.

And you know what - I like all those things about myself.

Cheers to being you and no one else.

- Quote from New Girl, Image credit unknown. Found on Fairy Tales are True

Austin Adventure Part 2

My trip to Austin continued to dazzle me. The shops in Austin are funky, eclectic and I loved them all.

Here are a few of my favorite spots. 

Parts & Labour had a variety of locally crafted goods. Everything from clothing to candles. I scored a great purple strapless dress with some southern flair that was made by a local designer.

Creatures Boutique had clothing with a fun southern charm. The jewelry in here was amazing!

Guero's, great tacos, great beers. Need I say more? 

Located right off of South Congress this place is in prime people watching and shopping location.

My teeny, tiny beer glass made my Pacifico even more fun to drink.

Jo's became my go to every morning for their delicious iced coffee. It has a little hint of chocolate, half and half and a splash of hazelnut. Amazing!

 They also sell beer, for those hot and sunny afternoons where a coffee just won't do.

 Awesome outdoor patio complete with wireless! There is an even bigger area in the back you can't see.

Love the mural on the side of the shop, so sweet.

This was honestly one of my favorite spots in Austin. I loved reading out on the patio and enjoying my iced coffee. A great way to start the day.

Hope to visit you again soon Austin, until then stay weird!

xo,
Liz

Visual Merchandising Goes Green

I took a trip to one of my favorite inspiration stores, Anthropologie, this weekend.
How could I resist those beautiful window displays? They just lure me in every time.

Anthropologie on Market Street in San Francisco 

                            

This time I noticed something new when I went in the store. My first thought was - Wow check out all the live plants in here! Upon second glance I realized that only half of the plants were alive. The other half had been created using various materials such as felt, rope, cloth and some sewing magic.

The visual merchandising team really outdid themselves this time.  

I was amazed at how easily the real and crafted plants blended with each other. It was such a great experience to see and touch the live plants and then touch the hand crafted elements.  

This was also a great marketing tactic that really got their customers wanting some spring and summer apparel. The displays of plants, warm weather shorts and dresses, and brightly colored apparel & accessories really screamed "Warm weather is coming! Gets your outfits ready now!" The desert design with the cactus elements can't help but make you want to be wearing a nice summer dress.

Don't mind if I do Anthro! 

Is it real plants? Nope - it is cloth, rope and felt!

These guys are real

Can you spot the real plants and the crafted plants?

Is that a desert oasis? Nope, just another display in Anthropologie.

Happy design inspiration!

Austin Adventure

Recently I took a weekend adventure to Austin, Texas and it was filled with inspiration. 

I loved the metal detailing on the railing on the walk way at Lady Bird Lake. 

Such a beautiful little accent to an object people use everyday.

Check out the view from the Zilker Park side of the trail. 

That is downtown Austin and the South Congress Bridge

                             

I loved this outdoor bar/ venue, they had tons of live music going on at night!

Rainy Day

Nothing delights me quite like a latte and a delicious almond croissant.
My neighborhood spot, Thorough Bread & Pastry has some of the best treats. Hope you are staying dry on this rainy day!