Inspiration: 10 Places to Find It, +1

Image Source: Notes on Design

I don't know about you, but it can be super difficult for me to think outside of the box like this poster says. It seems as though it has all been thought of or done before. Like the old saying goes, "there's nothing new under the sun." And while that's true, there are always ways to put a fresh spin on things. That is, if you can think up something fresh in the middle of a creative rut. Whenever I'm feeling uninspired, here are 10 places plus one that I like to go: 

   

1. Magazines

I love Real Simple and Domino (before it sadly ceased publication). Also, Elle Decor is pretty great for beautiful photographs and design inspiration.

 

2. Blogs/Websites

There's a zillion out there, too many to name, but I do love Apartment Therapy and Young House Love. Also, Cupcakes and Cashmere is a good one too.

3. Pinterest

I know you're aware of how lost you can get on Pinterest....but my, oh my, what a wonderful world of DIY, fashion, and home decorating inspiration. You'll find so much pinspiration, you might start pinspiring. ;)

4. Window Shopping

In-store or online, window shopping may help you get out of your creative rut. The displays and new seasonal lines may inspire you with a particular color scheme, pattern, or theme. Translate those ideas to whatever project you may be working on.

5. Books

I have several design books laying around that I like to look at for inspiration sometimes. In particular, I love Orla Kiely's Pattern and Undecorate by Christiane Lemieux.

6. The Great Outdoors

Sometimes you just need some fresh air to get a new perspective. Stop what you're doing and go outside for a bit!

Image Source: Me!

7. Etsy

There are so many creative people in this world and I think almost all of them have an Etsy shop. ;) Anyway... the aesthetic of how items are displayed and the pure genius of people's creativity will definitely help you get your creative juices flowing. Whenever I feel like I need a spark, Etsy is one of the first places I go. Both shop owners and handmade buyers really have a pulse on the latest trends and a keen eye for design.

8. Museums

If you're fortunate enough to live near a great museum, take advantage of it. The Frist Center for the Visual Arts here in Nashville is excellent. I've seen a couple exhibits there that were great including Chuck Close and a collection of Impressionists. Go take in some beautiful art and maybe it will inspire your next masterpiece.

9. Coffee shops

Your local coffee shop may give you the spark you need to get creative. Aside from the obvious dose of caffeine, you can do some great people watching. People watching is one of my favorite things to do. Not only is it entertaining, but it can be very inspiring too. I love to look at how people dress, try to figure out what they are working on and why they are there. I like to create background stories for people based on what I think they may do for a living, their hobbies, and of course by what they are drinking. ;) You may see someone carrying something or wearing something that's visually inspiring. You may overhear people talking and be inspired by something they say. Don't be too obvious with your eavesdropping though! You may notice a book someone is reading that ignites an idea. And there's never a lack of hipsters to make fun of. Wait...some may think I am one. Hold on...I need to hide my wayfarers and change out of my plaid shirt. ;)

Image Source: Emily Barrera

10. Instagram

I'm always impressed with what amateurs can do with this little app. I love looking at my friends photos and seeing what they are up to, where they are traveling, and what objects are meaningful enough to them to document through Instagram. If you're in a rut, take a little break and scroll through your Instagram feed to break up the monotony. 

+1. Travel

If you're fortunate enough to travel, I highly encourage it. Unlike anything else, these experiences are so rich and live on in your mind. They can provide inspiration to you ten, even twenty years down the road. I've documented a few of my travels from last year here on the blog that you can take a look at. They are some of my best memories and I hope to be able to continue to travel throughout my lifetime. Even if you can't hop a flight to Paris, day-trips in the car can be just as exciting and may do the trick to get your creativity flowing again.

Here's to inspired living!

               

                   

Wanna-get-away Weekenders

The weather here in Middle Tennessee has been ridiculous lately and all I can think about is going somewhere to get away. I mean, I would go ANYWHERE just to see the sun shine and feel a nice crisp breeze. So, in the spirit of getting away, I present a collection of vintage and handmade weekender bags that are perfect for your next short little trip. I have had my current weekender for almost 5 years and it's slowly falling apart. It has lots of travel memories attached to it, but the zipper pull has fallen off so I think it's time to let go. ;) 

Here are my lovely finds....hope you and I can both get away soon!

Clockwise from top left:

1. Upcycled Pendleton Bag by TheVintageShopBerlin

2. Klover Fabric Tote by TanneiCasey

3. Vintage Black Leather Weekender from MightyVintage

4. 1970s Vintage Southwestern Tote from ManeaterVintage

5. Handmade Orange Polka Dot Tote by TheBrownDrake

Explore. Dream. Discover.

I've been fortunate to travel quite a bit with my husband this year and I thought I'd share some of our recent trips abroad. It's always fun to look back at photos and remember where you were, what you were doing, and the memories you made!!

So here's a little photo-journal of our recent trips to Holland and our Canadian/New England cruise....I've also included some of my favorite quotes on travel.

Quebec City, Quebec

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

 - Mark Twain

Halifax, Nova Scotia

"Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." -Seneca 

Bar Harbor, Maine

Public park right next to the harbor.

Beautiful outdoor cafe in front of an old inn.

The harbor with our ship in the distance. 

Boston, Massachusetts 

My husband and I have been to Boston before and fell in love with the whole city. I've previously blogged about Boston and posted photos from our first trip. This time, because we had done a lot of the main attractions already, we were able to discover more places "off the beaten path." This included The Brattle Book Shop: it's one of the oldest rare and used book stores in America. They also have an outdoor bargain section, which is pictured below. So fun...I could have spent hours in there.

Like on our last trip to Boston, we were able to attend a Red Sox game again!! If you're ever in Boston and have the opportunity to attend a game, I highly recommend it!! The energy is so awesome and the fans are so enthusiastic. It's probably the quintessential Boston experience...well besides, maybe, The Freedom Trail. :) And just a tip: you can get a good deal on tickets at Stub Hub.

A few from our seats. 

Once again we became regulars at our favorite coffee shop in Boston, The Thinking Cup. They have the best pastries, serve Stumptown Coffee, and make the best iced coffee I've ever had in my life. The secret I hear is a cold brew method that's similar to steeping tea. Thinking Cup also has some pretty great offerings for breakfast including breakfast burritos with black beans, arugula, caramelized onions, and cheese. Pictured below is the first brioche I've ever had. And I must say, it was pretty delightful!!

Holland

Our B&B in Leiden. 

Outdoor book shop in Amsterdam. 

I thought these chairs outside an antique shop in Amsterdam were very cool. 

Anne Frank statue down the street from The Anne Frank House and Museum. 

Beautiful buildings along the canal. 

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

What I'd Do With an Extra $100

I can't remember what magazine I saw this in, but there was a monthly feature where readers would list what they would do with an extra $100. Of course a $100 goes a lot less further than it used to, but I enjoy an indulgent daydream as much as the next blogger. ;)

What would you do with an extra $100.00? 

• Day trip to Sewanee, TN to have lunch at The Blue Chair Cafe, people watch, visit the beautiful campus of The University of the South, and browse the cute stores down University Avenue

- about $50.00 (gas and lunch)

• Handmade repurposed burlap coffee purse - I've had my eye on this for a bit.

- about $45.00 at etsy.com

• Tall iced coffee for the road (it's a sickness, I know)

- about $2.50 = 

$2.50 left for another day!

Missing Boston

My husband and I were talking about vacations and such. I'm starting a new job which means I won't be able to take one for about six months. We thought we might take a trip somewhere before I start the new gig to enjoy some time off before I get really busy. 


We've thought of a few places....Washington, D.C., Asheville, Chattanooga...but as we talked I started reminiscing about our last trip to Boston and how awesome it was. 


I haven't been to all of them, but I can positively say that Boston has been my favorite U.S. city to visit so far. 



Boston Common
Part of the city's appeal for me is Boston Common. It's meticulously-maintained foliage is just breath-taking. It's unlike anything I have ever seen. I love the idea of beauty that's for the public to share. I could have spent all day just hanging out there. 

     

                   

The North End

Another thing I love about Boston is the North End. The area's Italian heritage is seen in all its cafes and espresso bars. The famous Mike's Pastry is located there as well as what is considered to be the oldest cafe/ espresso bar in the U.S., Caffe Vita. 

    

Fenway Park 
The oldest ballpark in the country + America's favorite pastime + baseball's most loyal fans = AWESOME!