::a horse of a different color::

This is neat. 

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::cheers to a new year + outlook::

Things are about to get personal, people. And maybe a bit sappy. You've been warned.

I spent a lot of time over Christmas thinking about things. Really thinking about things– what I want to do, where I want to go, how/who/what I want to be. Lots of life changing events have been happening this month: friends getting engaged, friends having babies, and a loved one in the hospital with lots of complications. I guess this makes me think about the stage of life I'm in now and question everything. I'm so grateful for my family and having people around me that make me better. I could use so many cliches right now that would apply to all this stuff. Life is short. Carpe diem. I want to accomplish so much more. Since graduating from college I've been in this awkward middle stage– jumping between rental houses + apartments, dabbling in freelance + a small business, working full-time with a couple unstable companies (gotta pay off those student loans), moving to a new state and living with my boyfriend. I've spent a long time comparing myself to other 20-somethings. It's so easy to envy certain people and material items and  have an ever-expanding list of wants when you scour other blogs, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.

It's been hard for me to find the right motivation. But this is the year. I guess you can call it soul searching, but I've learned that I can't do everything and it's okay to ask for help. I've found my niche in vintage + graphic design. It's what I enjoy and what I'm passionate about. I have this vision for what I want a brick and mortar shop to look like. I want to grow this little business I've created into something very special and more REAL. I'll be sprucing up my website, blog + shop with some help from creative professionals. There are lots of incredibly talented artists, photographers and designers around here that I want to connect with and build a little network of creatives. I've been possessive with 6 petals, but now I want to share it and see how others can help me build it.

This year I'll be writing down my resolutions (inking them on paper solidifies it, right?) and crossing them off will feel incredible. Getting healthy, various adventures, business-related goals and positive lifestyle changes top the list.

So let's enjoy the last bit of 2011 to the fullest and make 2012 even better.

::for the big party::

dress  /  earrings  /  champagne glasses  /  shoes

::down time::

Spending lots of time surrounded by family. Life is good. 

::wishing you a...::

Decorating the tree with my family never gets old, the laughs are endless + my dad always has plenty of wine. Plus, lots of delicious foods are in my future. However, I did get an early Christmas present. It's the flu, but I won't let it stop me. 

Enjoy your time off to relax, eat + drink. MERRY CHRISTMAS, friends!

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::my kind of bar::

Wouldn't you love to relax and grab a cocktail (or six) at this awesome little bar? Great vintage details all over the place and lots of wood + metal. They even have those little hooks under the bar for our purses. 

found

::warmer daze::

I'm at the airport waiting to board. Florida, here I come! Back to the 75 degree Christmases I know + love.

With the Florida sunshine on my mind, I'm really looking forward to Spring-- especially knowing these are in the future-- stripes, dots +  crisp whites.

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::featured // a christmas-y DIY::

*See more of my guest post over on Jessica Chronicled.

Spread some Christmas cheer...

::to lay my head::

Yesterday, I tweeted about this amazing bedding I purchased Santa got me for Christmas. All of Anthropologie's sale stuff is an extra 50% off (hint hint). My mom has always been into linens, so after shopping with her for years it wore off on me. This is a dream-enducing quilt.

I couldn't help but pick up a bunch of these little mushroom knobs, too. I plan on using them on an old piece of wood to make a coat hanger. 

brag moment: my total for a king quilt, 2 euro shams + 4 mushroom knobs was $151 (regularly priced $560). It pays to be patient sometimes. 

::it's the little things::

Who knew that little pieces of fabric could look so perfect. I love how Miss James decorated for her daughter's birthday. 

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::layers::

I put on these floral tights (+ other layers) for a birthday celebration and a trip to the hospital– our friend gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Keller. Everyone who saw me thought I had tattoos all over my legs or some sort of skin disease. I keep people guessing.

::vintage love // disregarden::

I found out about Jessica of Disregarden through the latest issue of Rue, and I've been admiring her vintage collection. She not only rents beautiful vintage furniture and decor, but reworks pieces with her own touches + has a styling gig too. I love the color of those old post office boxes (or maybe they're lockers?). Either way, it's perfect.

You can see more + shop on the Disregarden blog.

::eye catching // society 6::

This week absolutely flew by for me. Come to think of it, this whole YEAR flew by. 2012? That just doesn't seem right. 

As I'm browsing for last minute gift ideas, here's a little collection of artwork that caught my eye...

These colors are incredible. I love that watercolor octopus. Thank you, Society 6.

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::only santa knows::

Dear Santa, 

I PROMISE I've been nice. I'll even leave you extra cookies + milk. Maybe a steak?

Love, 

C

cabinet  /  robe  /  watch  /  tablet

::get out::

Even though the temperature is dropping, it was still nice to get outside after being cooped up all week.

(Yes, that's Jay and me up there. That place is an old landfill transformed into an amazing city park. The playground was awesome.)

::typeface history::

This is such a neat infographic (it's a long one, the link has the full image). Crazy to think that some fonts have been around since the 1400s. Typography is fascinating. 

Have you guys seen the Helvetica documentary? You should. It's on Netflix.

::handcrafted::

   

A beautiful + artfully well done video with so much attention to detail. It's so motivating to see other young entrepreneurs pursuing a dream. He's got a lotta love for natural ingredients and a high quality product. Oh, and awesome packaging. Kudos, Breuckelen Distilling Company.


found via

::one of my favorite brands::

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::oceans::

Last night I watched Disney's Oceans on Netflix while doing some design work. It's a documentary on ocean life, and geez, some of those creatures are so wild looking! It seems more like science fiction out there with all those funky fish, crabs + narwhales! Oh, how I love mother nature. So I felt inspired. 

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::stamp it::

I'm a huge fan of stamps. When I was little I had a Caboodle filled with them. These days, it's geared towards packaging and branding. A few months ago I designed and ordered four stamps for 6 petals, each with it's own little message...

I'm so happy with these stamps. Mine came from here and the whole process was super easy. They also showed up at my door so quickly-- great, speedy service!

::a peek inside // at ms. pink string's home::

While in Florida for Thanksgiving, J and I made a pit stop to visit some friends. Nicole, recently purchased a new home with her soon-to-be husband. On her blog, pink strings & green beans, she documents her house projects, cooking tips + adventures in triathlons.

They found this amazing, old-Florida home that needed some lots work. She and her fiancé have completely transformed the place (they've done most of the work themselves!)-- and I was so excited to see the progress. It's beautiful, Nicole...maybe more vintage decor ;)

::i like collages::

Fell in love with these simple collage prints from Cassia's Etsy shop. When I was younger I use to make collages with magazine cutouts, ribbon/lace, wood pieces, stamps, tissue paper...all sorts of things. These days I still do.

::tiny tree::

Since Jay and I are squeezing more than two people should have into a smaller space, this idea from Jen is a perfect alternative to a full Christmas tree-- and still have that pine tree scent. You can do it too with the the right jars. Get your own from the 6 petals shop with this amazing pair of crocks. I love the type on those guys. 

Bring it on, December. 

image  /  rustic red  /  found via here