Sun-Bathing

Don't you just love InstaGram? I got this gem last week. 

Muse 002

This time on the series I wanted to highlight both a designer and a photographer. Oscar de la Renta, an absolute classic, and James Nord, who is a real visionary!!

One thing I love about fashion is it's many facets. It takes so many people collaborating on a collection to really bring it to life. There are buyers, designers, photographers, merchandisers, sellers, illustrators and many more. Each person brings their own view to a collection.

See Oscar de la Renta's 2013 Resort collection HERE.

Visit this amazing photographer, James Nord's blog.

Bon Voyage Summer!

You made me happy!

Sierra & Ryan

It was amazing to share this special day with my beautiful sister-in-law & her man, Ryan. They were married in July in a quaint garden. Congrats to them & good luck on the many years to come.

XOXO

Irresistible Pins

I've been finding some amazing pins lately. Somebody stop me!

Check out my pins here. 

Quick & Simple Bridal Shower

-Get a dozen or two bagels from your local bagel shop, cut up seasonal fruit & mixed together enough mimosas for everyone to indulge on.

- Leave some mimosas virgin (okay, it's plain OJ) and separate from the alcoholic version, just incase a guest doesn't drink or has had enough to drink & needs to slow down.

-Make one champagne flute special for the bride. I covered my bride's glass in glitter. It was quick, easy & came right off in the dishwasher.

-Don't forget water! You can get cute water dispensers at your local grocery store for cheap.

-Cut cardboard into triangles & spray paint your desired color. I covered half in glitter to go along with the party theme!

- Get flowers from the farmers market & put in a simple vase. They will be cheap, fresh & will compliment any table setting.


I wish I had more time to spend on this gathering, but I think it turned out great for the amount of time & money I had to put into it.

What things have you done for friends or family in a hurry? What advice would you give someone for a simple get-together?

My Vintage-Inspired Wedding

Wedding season always gives me a sense of nostalgia. I get taken back to my own special day.

When I got engaged I began checking out all the amazing wedding blogs out there & I will be honest, I was completely overwhelmed. Where do you start? I made mood board, after mood board & everyone was completely different. There was a huge variety of different ideas, colors & styles & I loved them all! And it didn't help that I am the most indecisive person I know.

About a week after getting engaged my Mom & I set off wedding dress shopping. The first shop we stopped at was a little hole-in-the-wall shop with an over enthusiastic sales woman. I had two ideas in mind; lace & long-sleeved. The first dress I tried on was it! Lace, 3/4 length sleeve, easy to alter to open the back & most important, 100% me.

After I had the dress, EVERYTHING else fell into place. We knew then we were going to have a vintage-inspired wedding. We chose rich colors, a vintage wedding venue & hired a jazz band. And now that I look back, it was OUR wedding. Completely perfect for Drew & I.

Isn't it funny how every wedding you go to just FEELS like that couple?

Muse 001

I've become so engulfed in life that I've forgotten myself, my core self. About two weeks ago, my husband and I took a short road trip to help his family move. During some downtime I rediscovered one of my raptures.

I decided to start a new series on Morlee, all about rediscovering my love of good fashion design; Muse.

Check out Lela Rose's amazing 2013 Resort collection here.

Be sure to follow my newest Pinboard "Back to My Roots"

Happy Summer Peeps!

If I could sum life up lately with one word, the word would be INSANE. It's been full of my love, friends, family, parties, weekend trips. Lots of movies, brunch, phone calls, surprises and of course work. I hardly have time to do anything but enjoy. 

I hope you are all having an amazing summer!

Some Artists

I like to see myself as a creative person. An artist if you will.  But then I come across a piece of artwork that is so stunning. Breathtaking. Captivating. It makes you feel alive. And all I can hope is that one day I can make something that makes somebody else feel the way I do in those moments. 

I fell in love with this piece. I could stare at if for hours.

The Way to Recycle

Check out here breathtaking work here.

Garden Party

I have ultimate spring fever! I can't help but dreaming of my garden! I've begun preparing for gardening season... Anyone else planting a garden this year? I'm planting some herbs, vegetables and of coarse all my favorite flowers.

Oy vey, spring really pulls on my heart-strings!

Image Sources {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Can I Be There?

Check out this stunning photograph. I just want to be where ever this is!

Image Source {1}

Spring Awakening

I must admit, the best part of this week has been hearing the birds chirp in the morning. I'm one happy camper. The birds know better than anyone! Bring on Spring!

Photoshop..

I haven't used photoshop in over a month. Feels good to see you again!

Image Source {1}

I'm Off to LALA Land

We are of to L.A. for the weekend to see Dustin Kensrue & some other lovely folks at the Troubadore. We are road tripping with some of our very good friends. It's bound to be full of lots of deep convos, Mad Libs & tunes.

 Any one have any suggestions of places to stop by when we are there? I'm always up for your advice!

I'm in love with the clutter of this room!

What are you doing this weekend? I hope it's lovely!

Image Source {1}

Valentine Column: Sealin' the Deal

I want to share with you my three favorite memories of my wedding.

I slept at my parents house the night before I got married. I woke up, got myself a delicious caramel latte & began the process of getting ready for MY wedding. (Freaking out just a little!) My maid of honor came over to help with the preparations and also my good friend Alex, who did my hair. At around noon we headed over the venue where we were getting married.

One of my biggest worries the day of was that my husband was going to be late. As I pulled into the parking lot of the church, strangely so was my husband and his best man Elton. At that moment, I knew this really was going to be the best day of my life. It's funny how that one action got rid of all my other worries. After avoiding eye contact for a moment, our eyes met for the first time on our wedding day. I was overwhelmed with the "butterflies". It was almost like we were meeting for the first time again. We gave each other a small hug & nervously made our way inside. He helped me carry in some of my girl stuff. What a sweetheart! Then I rushed into the brides room & only saw glances of him before the ceremony. (Favorite memory ONE!)

I decided on an old fashioned 1940's style wedding. We held the ceremony and reception indoors (because it was the peak of a Salt Lake City winter) at a beautiful redone church. It had wood floors, chandeliers, big windows, pillars, a fabulous brides room & many other amazing features. It was absolutely perfect. The florist we hired did exactly what I wanted. The flowers were stunning. The cake was perfect. The tables look the way I pictured. We were able to hire a four piece jazz band at an amazing price. Everything was falling into place!

The wedding host came and grabbed all my family & friend who were hanging out with me in the brides room. It was show time! I heard the pianist start to play the wedding parties song. I was so nervous! Not because I was worried about the wedding details, or that my dress looked funny, or my hair was going to fall out or that my husband was going to say no, but simply because it was my wedding day! I knew I was marrying the love of my life and this moment would NEVER happen again. I was overcome with emotions.

Finally after what felt like an hour, the door opened. It was my cute Dad coming to escort me down the aisle. We began our descent down the aisle. The pianist began playing OUR song, which I must admit made me a little emotional. At first I only saw family & friends faces. As we turned the corner I saw Drew. Not only did he look so amazing, but he was the only thing I saw. I saw the joy in his face. I saw how much he loved me! I don't know if you have ever felt that much from just a look, but let me tell you, it is amazing. Pretty soon I was holding hands with him, marrying him! (Favorite memory TWO!)

After the ceremony, we took some pictures & greeted family & friends. Then we finally had some time to rock out to the amazing jazz band we hired. By this point in the night, only our very close friends and family were left. It was amazing. We all hit the dance floor! I loved ending the night in complete happiness & fun. Seeing everyone who truly matters to us, celebrating our marriage was priceless. (Favorite memory THREE!)

I hope you enjoyed these snippets of our wedding. As I mentioned yesterday, I want to share a few more stories about Drew & I before Valentines. I hope you enjoy getting a small piece of our love story!

One Year Down

Last friday was me and my husbands one year anniversary. We celebrated by going out to dinner at Desert Edge Brewery then came home & enjoyed our cake topper (which wasn't so bad) & some fondue. We also played one of our favorite games. Mad Libs. It was perfect.

I can't believe I've been married for a year! Yet I feel like we've been married for ten. I'm so grateful to be married to such an amazing man!

Between now & Valentines, I'm going to be sharing some of my favorite stories of Drew & I. Starting tomorrow, our wedding story.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

The Elixer

This week has been such a whirlwind with the new job and everything. I've been pounding back the coffee during the day to cope with the stress of learning. Then I kick back at night with my love & a good movie to let my brain completely relax. Last night we went to Sundance Film Festival & got to partake in the goodness that was Red Light. Other than the stress, I'm loving the new job.

I just love these images. First the vintage How To makes me laugh. I'm loving the design on the coffee cups.

I hope you have a great rest of your week!

Image Sources {1, 2}

New Job Essentials

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Today is my big first day at my new job! I am excited and nervous. After being at my old job over 2 years, with no interest in it, I finally decided to move on. This new job will be a lot more work, so I'm hoping it pays off. Here's some new materials that might aid me in easing into my new position.

I'm loving this calendar.

These pens are pretty rad.

I can't get enough of these glasses from JCrew.

This laptop case is the perfect color.

Taking notes will be easier with these.

Do you have any tips on starting a new job? It's been so long since I have done this! I'm a little worried!

A Romantic Fete

I've been feeling overly sentimental lately. It might be that this time of year I celebrate my love for my husband twice, with our anniversary (one year!) & with Valentines Day. Or what I really think it is, is I have been at a loss for a good romantic movie. I haven't enjoyed a chick flick for probably over 2 months. The last one I saw being The Holiday (which is one of my favs!).

It's kind of like when you are dehydrated & can only think about getting water. I'm starved for a good love story to get all my lovey dovey feelings out. My go to's are, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Pride & Prejudice, Away We Go, Moulin Rouge & French Kiss.

Does anyone have any recommendations? What are your favorites?


You can also see this arrangement featured on one of my favorites Plain & Fancy.

Collection Covet

I'm just loving all the fabulous details & colors from No. 21 Pre Fall collection. Aren't you?

Brunch

Have you ever had one of those mornings where your friend calls & says "I'll bring the champagne & you bring the orange juice"?

I'm usually up for some of my local favorites Squatters or Eggs in the City for brunch. (Hey all you Alt Summit goers, I'm a Salt Lake native & these are definitely worth a try while you're here!) But a homemade brunch is so much more intimate & may I just say, the mimosas are a lot cheaper!

So for those fabulous mornings, throw together your favorite mix & match china, a colored table cloth & fancy glasses (I actually call them goblets). Personally, I just love the eclectic way all the patterns & colors look together! For the center piece put feathers in white milk glass. Piece of cake!

Our brunch date included coffee, mimosas, cheese bagels & personal quiches, (that are easy & quick to make). Here is my recipe:


Bacon & Ham Personal Quiche
Serving Size: 2

Ingredients:

- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup half & half
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 slices ham
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Fry bacon until cooked. Crumble. Cut up ham into small squares. Whisk eggs and half & half together. Add desired amount of salt & pepper. Divide mixture into two 3.5oz Ramekins. Add even amounts of ham & bacon to each Ramekin. Top with cheddar cheese.

Bake for 20 - 35 minutes or until cooked through.


I hope you all have a fabulous week!

Lessons Learned: ( & Please Share Yours!)

Blogging has been so amazing lately. I really appreciate all you readers, your comments & seeing all your amazing blogs!! I  also love getting a peek into your lives & seeing what all you creative genius's are up to. It's really pushed me creatively & I love it!

There are so many things I still have to learn and improve on, but that is what makes blogging so much fun! This year I have many goals for myself, including learning how to knit, taking better pictures & painting more.

One thing that I have learned over the past little while & would like to share with you.

Never stop creating & being inspired.

It can be really hard, especially when we get into those creative ruts. (Which I know we all have). I am always looking for a good story or something to photograph. I write all my ideas down, so I have some good back up ideas in case I'm just not feeling it. I'm also always working on some DIY project, trying a new recipe or learning something new. Most don't make it onto the blog, but it gets my creative juices flowing.

What things have you learned over your blogging ventures? I'd love to hear your tips! Please leave a comment & make sure it links back to your blog. (So we can all enjoy your creative goodness!)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

 Image Source {1}

Healthy & Easy Granola

Breakfast. It's my most skipped meal of the day. So in hopes of getting healthy this year, I decided to get a good jump start to my day & eat breakfast. I tried out this "Healthy" granola recipe & might I say, I could get used to this whole breakfast thing!

I made a double batch, so if you think this is too much, cut the recipe in half.

Ingredients:

6 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups sliced almonds with skin
1/2 cups sunflower seeds
3/4 cups of vegetable oil
3/4 cups of mild honey
2 teaspoons cinnamon


Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F with rack in the middle of the oven. Spray 4-sided pan with cooking spray.

Mix the oats, almonds & sunflower seeds in large bowl. Heat vegetable oil, honey & cinnamon in the microwave for 4 minutes. Stir every 30 seconds. Stir into oat mixture.

Spread evenly on pan and bake 20 - 25 minutes, stirring every 8 - 10 minutes.

Cool granola completely in pan (I left it covered with a paper towel over night), it crisps as it cools. Stir in any dried fruit if desired.

Keep in airtight container in the fridge.

On Elegance

Do you have words that you just absolutely love? I sure do.

Elegance. Captivate. Nostalgia.

They just have a quaintness to them!

I put this arrangement together last weekend. It reminds me of something in an English Garden or part of the world of The Great Gatsby. It has the Elegance to it. Ah... I love that word!

What are you favorite words?

The Dreaded Interview

Find these items here: {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}

For those of you who don't already know, I just got a new job last week! I'm very excited to be moving towards my career! But the interview process was horrible!! I didn't interview with the company just once, nor twice... but three times! It was painful!

So before my first interview I Googled "what to wear to a job interview". Let me just say, it wasn't very helpful. So here are MY tips on dressing for an interview. They worked for me!

1. Look professional.  Whether you are interviewing with a nail salon, a clothing store, a restaurant or a law firm, look sharp. Wear slacks (or dark nice jeans) & a blazer. Then dress it up or down depending on the job you're interviewing for.

2. Wear neutrals & pastels. Most of the websites I read said to wear nothing but neutrals. I have to disagree. Neutrals should make up most of your interview wardrobe, but add bits off color (you don't want to come off as boring)!  Whether it's wearing a light pink shirt or perhaps light yellow flats. Color will add a little interest to your outfit.

3. Dress modestly. This could be the most important one on my list. Don't wear anything too form fitting. Also be careful of the length of your skirt & the neckline of your shirt. They are hiring someone to represent their company & you can't be sure how conservative they are. To be safe go with a nice fitting pair of slacks & a button up.

4. Wear your best lingerie.  This might seem really silly, especially after my last tip. But it is important to feel your 100% absolute best. Undies included. Although they won't be seeing any of your lingerie (lets hope), you'll feel a difference.

5. Make a bold statement, without going too over the top. You want them to remember you, but still want to come off as professional. Wear a statement necklace (not too extreme). Or if you really want to be noticed, a fun pair of shoes. But choose only one or the other & make sure they are still classy.

What have you worn to passed interviews? Did any of these work for you?

If you have plan on getting a new job, I wish you the best of luck!

Style 2 : Day Date with Your Best Friend

 

I was so lucky to be able to spend a lot of time with my bestie Rachel during the holidays. She lives 10 hours away in Pomona, California, so our friendship consists of a lot of phone calls. It stinks! We had a lot of fun while she was in town! I just hope it's not another whole year until I see her again.

We both share a love of coffee, independent films & concerts. We can spend hours talking about life over a glass of Shiraz. We also have a lot of differences. She's the smart one (physics major!). I'm the artsy one. She's the college girl, who dates a lot of boys. I'm married. She grounds me. I help her remember to goof off once and a while. We have a fantastic friendship!

When Rachel was in town I knew I wanted to do a "style post" to show off our different styles. She has a boho style. Oversized shirts & sweaters, paired with an LBD or skinny jeans & some fabulous boots. I would say her wardrobe consists of a lot of black & neutrals. I would say I have a classic style with an eclectic twist. I wear a lot of basics like tees & skinny jeans, paired with a statement necklace, stand out shoes & a bright cardigan. My wardrobe also consists of mostly black & neutrals.

What are you and your best friend like? Do you have different styles? What makes your friendship so special?