inspirtaion

M. Michel Illustration

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M. Michael Illustration- Enchanting Elegance

Happy Thursday lovelies! I don't know about you, but this week is just flying by for me. I'm thinking that wonderful three day weekend has something to do with it. If only every weekend could be like that!

Today I wanted to share a fabulous fashion and lifestyle illustrator Mayandree Michel of M. Michel Illustration. She recently created this beautiful fashion portrait of me from one of my most favorite outfits that I wore for Easter. It's a bit hard to tell, but I was five months pregnant at the time with little Ava. She's now making more of an appearance with the bump. I had the best time talking with Mayandree through the entire creative process and I could not be more thrilled with the results! As soon as I saw the completed art, I smiled so wide and instantly showed my husband and dad who thought the illustration was so beautifully done. The attention to details and coloring is spot on. I cannot stop looking at how lovely her artwork is and feel so honored to have found not only a beautiful illustrator, but also someone who is kind and sweet to work with.

Please take a look at some of Mayandree's other designs and custom illustrations here at her Etsy shop. Let me tell you too, for any other bloggers reading this, having a custom illustration done in one of your favorite outfits is an absolute must. It's something you can hang in your home and also have on your blog.

You can also reach M. Michel Illustration on facebook, on her Instragram, or on twitter.

M. Michael Illustration- Enchanting Elegance

Thank you to M. Michel Illustration for sponsoring this post.

Here are some more chic designs by M. Michel Illustration that I'm totally loving.

M. Michel Illustration- Enchanting Elegance

Shop Latest Instagram Posts

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Date Night Inspirtaion

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I've been having a big crush on polka dots lately. Can you blame me?? This adorable print got me thinking about my weekly inspiration post which quickly became a date night outfit idea. This even has a kind of grown up Minnie Mouse appeal to it. I love pairing black and white together with a pop of red and a hint of gold. It feels so very parisian chic. Shop the outfit details above. Enjoy your Wednesday everyone!

High Tea

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tea set

Happy Wednesday loves! As usual, Wednesday is always devoted to inspiration and today I chose High Tea for the theme. One of my favorite memories is having tea with my mom while we watched Murder She Wrote or just chatted about life. Also, while on vacation in Rehoboth Beach, we would always go for high tea at the Plaza Hotel. She absolutely adored it. Everything is available to shop with the links above.

Spring Time Bags and Shoes

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Inspiration

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Now that Spring has sprung, I've been thinking about bright colors along with soft pastel ones. Both are so perfect for spring as well as the upcoming summer season. Here's some pretty accessories I've been eying up lately. The white clutch and floral heels I already bought and absolutely love. Enjoy this inspiration!

Inspiration Friday

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Light Blue Hues

lc lauren conrad

Happy Friday everyone. Lately I've been craving some light blue hues for Spring and beyond. Here are some lovely inspiring pieces that are currently available and everything is under $100. Notice the Disney Cinderella shirt? Lauren Conrad is coming out with a Disney inspired line for Kohls, along with her LC Lauren Conrad line, for the upcoming live action movie Cinderella. I can hardly wait! The line is available on February 22nd.

Styling Your Vanity

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Pretty Little Things

styling your vanity
styling your vanity
styling your vanity
styling your vanity
styling your vanity
styling your vanity

My favorite time of the day is when I'm sitting at my vanity and getting ready for the day ahead. It's a time to relax and primp, which to me has always been quite fun. I wanted my space to reflect my personal loves and have a feeling of delicateness and romance. I knew right off of the bat that I wanted white furniture. It feels pretty and clean. Next, adding antique dishes for showing off some of my jewelry. I really loved the idea of having my jewelry out and also using it as a decoration. It's much easier getting ready when you can actually see what you own. Along the same lines, I wanted my makeup brushes to be out and keep them in a pretty candle holder and also a little decorative stiletto shoe my mom surprised me with. What vanity would be complete without a mirrored plate to keep perfume, little mementos, and flowers on? Really, anything can be stored on the plate and makes it feel oh so very feminine. Scattered here and there are little personal items such as a framed photograph of Justin and I along with little photos I place on my mirror, seashells from family vacations, a cork from my birthday in Hyannis Port last year, a crystal bear from my grandmother, and lastly a wand that has purple and blue stars, moons, and star dust. The wand was given to me as a child from my dad. It's something I've always loved and treasured and keep it in a prime spot where I can always see it. One of the last items on my vanity is an antique mirror and brush set my mom gave me. Having an extra mirror to hold up close comes in handy when you're applying eye liner and mascara.

Currently Craving

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Spring Favorites

LC Lauren Conrad

Below is a collection of some of my favorite Spring 2015 round ups. You'll notice the blush, ice blue, and mint color themes going on. Everything here can be found online and at reasonable prices. Of course, LC Lauren Conrad and Modcloth provide many of the choices, my go-to brands of choice. I hope this board provides a bit of inspiration and happiness thinking of the beautiful season ahead! Happy shopping.

A Major Award

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The Silver Beaver

the silver beaver award

On  Friday November 7th, 2014, my dad was awarded the Silver Beaver for his dedication, hard work, self-sacrifice, and years of service to the Boy Scouts of America. I could not have been more proud of him. It is the highest award one can receive in the council level. The night went by so quickly, but was quite memorable and one I will not forget. I gathered and prepared all of the photos for the slide show that was given during my dad's introduction. Seeing all of the important moments of his life and hearing the lovely talk was inspiring. I was asked to escort my dad and to stand with him while he was presented with the medal, certificate, pin, and square knot. To my surprise, I was also given flowers that were beautiful and smelled divine. I was more than happy to capture the night and also a big thanks to Justin for photographing my dad and I while we were up by the podium!

From the BSA, The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. It is given to those who do not actively seek it.

the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver
the silver beaver

Flower Power

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Flower Arranging Tips

“The earth laughs in flowers”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
arranging flowers

Nothing beats having fresh flowers in your home. The bright colors and fragrant smells remind me of what such beauty there is in this world. Bringing fresh flowers into your home will no doubt brighten up your mood. While filling your home with fresh flowers can be costly, one trick I've learned is to buy bunches of inexpensive flowers, separate them all out, and then make my own small arrangements in pretty vases. So now you have the small arrangements chosen for each vase. Another trick I've learned is to take clear tape and make a grid pattern at the opening home of the vase. Think like a tic-tac-toe game. After creating the grid and cutting the stems to the appropriate length, place each flower within each little square until you can no longer see the clear tape. This way the flowers stay upright and do not fall over. Think outside of the box too with your vases. Why not try a bowl (cut the stems short for this), a teacup, or even a mason jar?

The Golden Season

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Autumn 2014

“Autumn is a second Spring when every leaf is a flower. ”
fall

Fall is at it's beautiful peak here in the North Eastern part of Pennsylvania. I wanted to share some photos I've taken over the past 2 weeks. If only the colors would last longer than they do, but then I suppose it wouldn't be as magical if they were to last. There's something about the fleetingness that makes it all the more spectacular.

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fall
fall
fall
fall

Dance, Dance

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Do one thing everyday that makes you smile

“Dance like no one is watching; sing like no one is listening; work like you don’t need the money; and love like you’ve never been hurt.”
dance

Dancing always brings a smile to my face. The feeling of moving to a song I love simply makes me laugh with happiness. The rush of endorphins from jumping, twirling, side stepping (like a mini exercise routine) also adds to my overall happiness at the end of the song. My challenge to you is to do one thing everyday that makes you happy. You'll thank me for it later on. Anything from being outdoors, exercising, sleeping more, hiking, dancing, singing, watching a movie, reading a book, taking a photograph, whatever you heart desires, will have a positive outcome on your daily life. Studies show that when we do an activity we enjoy, it produces an overall effect of positive and enjoyable experiences for us elsewhere in our lives as in the workplace. Why not take some time then to make ourselves happy?

dance
dance
dance
dance