Music Monday and something extra

Sorry I've been a little more m.i.a then usual. I have been finishing up the moving process, practicing piano SO much and work work working. Now that I finally have a moment to sit back and relax, I wanted to say hello because I missed you. It's true, so often when I'm doing things that are keeping me busy, I find myself dreaming up posts and wishing I was sharing them here. I really love this little blog, as well as each and every one of my lovely readers. With that being said, I want to share my song for this week. With so much stuff that needs to get done, at the end of the day I like to sit in my bed and play a sweet song that makes me pensive and hopeful.

Why I love this song // Well first of all I love love Ben Gibbard's voice; it's so unique and seems to always make me smile. This song kind of awakens something in me; makes me hopeful and daydreamy. I love the guitar in it too, epecially that break in the middle of the song. This is thee perfect driving song... ya know, when you roll down the windows and all you see are fields on either side of you and you have nothing but the open road ahead of you... perfection.

The other day it was Whitney's birthday. We celebrated by eating, of course. It was fun to be with friends and celebrate my new sweet friend's special day^_^

And today I got a couch! My roommate and I spent two hours last night on Craigslist trying to find something decent. Needless to say there were some interesting things for sale. We found one though and it wasn't being sold by a creep and we did not get napped when we went to pick it up (woo!) We took Cynthia's boyfriend as backup, ha! It fits perfectly in the living room and I will soon be able to give you all a tour^_^

xo.

Melisa

Canvas Love

First and foremost, happy Friday! Hope your weekend is off to a lovely start! SO, I was recently contacted by someone from Easy Canvas Prints to try out one of their new gallery wrapped canvases. I jumped at the opportunity because we all know how I love love photos and with moving into my new place, I really could hardly contain my excitement^_^

I spent about an hour weeding through my photos trying to decide which I would turn into a canvas. I finally settled on one with me and the Mr; I like that it's simple and sweet. It took me only a few minutes to order online and then just under a week to receive my canvas. I love love it and it looks so perfect alongside my shelf. What do you think?

This would make a really great gift for your special someone; I will definitely order from them again! I'd love to have a huge one above my non existent couch one day, ha! OH and I'll give you a mini home tour soon, promise!

xo.

Melisa

Vintage Treasures

Here are some of my finds from yesterday. I went back this morning to snag up a few more things^_^ I spent only sixteen dollars. I love love deals and I can't wait to make use of these pretty things!

So what did I get??

2 jars, 1 plate, 1 stationary set, 1 mug, 3 pillows, 1 set of sheets, 3 pillowcases, 1 watch, 1 suitcase, 1 scarf, 1 skirt, 1 top, & 1 painting

I love vintage. I have a lot of favorite finds, but this little stash is pretty great. What is your favorite vintage find??

xo.

Melisa

Remember that time I moved...

I am finally all settled into my new home. I thoroughly enjoy having a living space where people can come and visit; in fact I just hosted a little get together for our Youth Ministry leadership team. I realized that I really enjoy playing hostess^_^ When I was younger I always had to share a room with my sister, which usually meant that she got a room and I would get to go in there when it was time to sleep, but even then I often found myself falling asleep on the couch. Growing up we didn't really get along and by that I mean I loved her, but she wanted nothing to do with me (teenagers), ha! SO, I say all that to say that I never really had a room to decorate, if I was lucky I got a small portion of a wall, so silly. Of course, now that I have my own place, I love love to decorate. I've had oh so much fun nesting and getting this place all cozy and home(y) for my roommate and I. Still on the hunt for a good couch though... I will be posting photos soon!

Today I came across the sweetest little vintage shop and got tons, yes tons, of things for eight dollars. Here is the list of items purchased: 1 mug, 1 plate, 2 mason jars, 1 scarf, 1 vintage floral sheet, 3 floral pillowcases, 3 (SO pretty) pillows, & 1 paint by numbers painting. Is that not a steal of a deal or what?? Whoa. I will post photos of that soon as well.

I went to H&M because they just put one in the Dallas mall. It was wonderful as usual. Not quite as big as the ones I'm used to, but it'll do, ha! I bought a pretty pretty dress and I got to spend time with my sweet friends and had a girly night, which is always a blast^_^

I have been practicing piano A LOT. I have a very large exam the 2nd day of school (which is awesome) and I have to pass it in order to graduate (again, awesome)  So I'm kind of living in the practice room.

My friend Whitney is going to have a birthday party on Saturday; that is what is most exciting in my life right now. That and the idea of having a couch. Currently the living room looks like a dance hall, ha! SO, I guess this was kind of a catch up post... Just to let you know I'm alive and things are well. I'd also like to take a moment to say thank you to each of you. I so appreciate having such lovely and kind readers. I can thankfully say that I have never received a hateful comment, email or remark and for that I am so truly grateful. Y'all are just wonderful! I'm really excited for what September will bring for us^_^

Oh, and here's a few photos from the last few days, ya know, for fun...

xo.

Melisa

COLOR CRUSH // CORAL

Too often we get caught up in the mundane and routine. We see things on a daily basis and somehow they lose their magic over time. Colors for example, are far more inspiring to me than most anything else. They are everywhere, sometimes hidden, other times bold and making a statement. But colors, are what make this world so exceptionally outstanding, because what kind of a world would we live in if everything was in black and white. Colors cannot become mundane, so often they seem to me like they have lost their luster, their magic... Let us embrace color! I used to do this feature and have since let it be forgotten; I am picking it back up and we are going to start to get excited about colors! Are you with me??

Yes, coral has my heart and always will. It's so feminine, but not overtly girly. I like that it can be soft and romantic or bright and bold. There will surely be lots of coral touches in my new home. So, what are your feelings and thoughts on coral??

xo.

Melisa

Girl Talk // The Gallerist

I'd like you to meet Kaitlyn of  isavirtue. She is such a sweet gal and I feel so lucky to have met her. She's very talented and completely inspirational. I'm sure you'll think she's just great!

What is your job title?

Gallery Assistant and Sales Associate. I currently work at two different galleries. I have worked for nine different galleries in the past four years in various roles, including attendant, visitors services coordinator, curatorial assistant, programs assistant and installation.

What do you love about yourself?

Aside from my ears, which are pretty cute, I love my passion for art. I love that I know exactly what I want to do with my life. I think that's pretty lucky and quite rare...

Who is your role model?

It's an obvious answer,  but my mother is definitely my role model. You can bet I would never have said that ten years ago though! She has such amazing morals and a wonderful outlook on life despite the more difficult things life has dealt her. I also greatly admire my best friend Anne-Marie. She's so mature and so intelligent. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

What inspires you?

Honestly? Blogs? Every day I am inspired by these amazing woman online who are so creative and clever. Additionally, I am inspired by beautiful paper, unique gallery exhibitions and the art of Andy Goldsworthy.

What are five words that describe you?

I always find this to be a difficult challenge because I don't want to assume that I know exactly who I am. That being said: creative, realistic, organized, open-minded and a homebody. 

What is your biggest insecurity?

My body. I only realized my true shape a couple years ago. Let's just say it's an ongoing process and that we are still getting to know each other.

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be?

I would be the curator of contemporary art at the Vancouver Art Gallery. It would be the day before a big exhibition is set to open. I want to be there, with a never-ending to do list, assisting in the final installation, totally crazy, out of my mind with stress and excitement.

 Website // Blog // Shop //  Facebook // Twitter

I love when people know what they want to do with their lives and do everything they can to pursue it. That kind of passion motivates me to follow after my dreams; thanks so much Kaitlyn. If you haven't had your art fill quite yet, Kaitlyn is offering an Art e-course that you can read more about, here. 

xo.

Melisa

She Said, He Said // A & W

>> How long have you been dating and/or married? 

She Said: Married 9.5 yrs

He Said: married for almost 9.5 years.

>> What did you think of each other when you first met? Was it love at first sight?

She Said: For me, yes. I liked him instantly and made it my mission to get him to love me back!! :) it worked. 

He Said: she was cute; she didn’t remember our first encounter. I bought an Entertainment book from her. She came around a year later and showed some interest!

>> What have you learned from your relationship?

She Said: Relationships are sticky, messy, and hardwork. But the benefits of sharing your life with someone you truly love are worth all the good, the bad, and the ugly!! 

He Said: you mean what am I still learning? That it changes; evolves. When outside factors are introduced (children, jobs, events, etc.) they might, or most likely will effect the relationship.

>> Who makes the decisions in your relationship?

She Said: I make a lot of day to day decisions, I'm super independent. But the "real" and big decisions we make together and ultimately, he always has the final say as the head of our home. 

He Said: decisions are made depending on what needs to be decided. Events/social life = usually her. What coffee cup to take to work = me. Improvements/maintenance/ insurance on house, cars, property (the boring stuff) = me. Spending = both of us usually. We balance each other out on spending. I’m frugal, I admit that; she is …not, and she’ll admit it!

>> When did you know you had found "the one"?

She Said: When in a crowded room full of people, the place I thrive, he walked in, and I knew I'd rather be sitting alone in a corner booth with him forever!!

He Said: initially it was when I made a comment to a friend that I “wanted to marry a girl like Whitney someday” and she overheard it. We realized it later when neither of us would give up in the face of adversity. We’ve been through a lot during our time together and have realized how tough we (and our relationship) really are.

>> What is the best advice you have to offer a new couple?

She Said: Don't give up on the passion, no matter how long you're together. Be willing to love passionately and fight passionately too! ...but...don't sweat the small stuff...that's not passion, that's just silly. 

He Said: you give up your “self rights” when you get married. Marriage should be selfless. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have opinions or do things your way, but you need to consider your spouse before you open your mouth or act on something. Things may come a bit easier to you that way. This is a challenging process, and I am still working on it!

>> What was your first date?

She Said: Our first official date? Or our first..."secret" date... Haha! Dinner with friends and ice skating. :) 

He Said:….uh a double date with a couple from a church we used to attend. We went to dinner and then ice skating, I believe.

>> What are five words that describe you?

She Said: Confident, outgoing, loyal, fun, witty

He Said: diplomatic (at most times), particular, funny (she’ll say inappropriate), determined, fun

>> What are five words that describe your significant other?

She Said: Thoughtful, hard working, silly, loyal,  manly

He Said: I would say put-together, but that’s two words so I’ll say beautiful.  Head strong, intelligent, motivated, passionate.