Monday, February 24, 2014

i make pretty: Hummingbird Inspired Artwork



Inspired by the magical little hummingbirds that started coming around our home last summer, I painted these two colorful little birds. It all started with one very friendly, ruby-throated humminbird who would sit outside and sing the same song all day. We hung a hummingbird feeder for him, and before long, more hummingbirds showed up. 



 

After a couple of weeks, I could stand outside, and he would come right up to my face, hover, then go to his feeder, eat, and take off. He was so cute!

5 interesting hummingbird facts:
  • Their wings flap in the shape of an infinity symbol when they hover
  • Hummingbirds can fly backwards, left, right and forward
  • They flap their wings about 80 times per second
  • Their feet are for perching, not walking or hopping
  • Hummingbirds symbolize joy, playfulness and adaptability
I haven't seen him in awhile, I'm hoping the spring brings him back!

Back to the art-- this was the first time that I painted in detail with watercolors. I usually use watercolors when I'm painting abstractly and acrylics when I want to paint details. I really liked the way the watercolors allowed me to add depth and layers of color so nicely on top of each other and I was still able to get the detail that I wanted.

I have added the 8x10 Happy Hummingbirds print and the Happy Hummingbird birthday card  above to my Etsy store, i make pretty, check out the new goods!

xo,
Maria

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

A Minute in the Life: Popcorn + Pizza


// Grey Block's Delicious Salad Pizza + Cheese Flavored Popcorn //


My husband just loooves food that's not-so-healthy. I tried to compromise with a salad pizza, which he so nicely went to pick up...and brought home with a bag of extra salty, cheese flavored popcorn. 

I have to admit, it was quite a killer combo.

Try it sometime :)

xo
Maria

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Sweet Valentine's Day Gifts




It's almost here folks...Valentine's Day.

Over the years I've had many a mixed feeling about this "holiday." When I was little, I loved Valentine's Day. It meant making all kinds of Valentine's related crafts at school, giving and receiving those Barbie and Super Hero themed Valentine's day cards (and looking to see if your crush wrote anything special on yours) and eating a ton of heart-shaped candy.

When I was single, Valentine's Day meant getting glam and going out (with a bang) with the girls...and then going home alone in anguish wondering, 'why in the hell haven't I met my soul mate yet!' Ah yes, I remember, Love definitely seemed somewhat elusive in those single days.

Now married, Valentine's Day has fondly become our excuse to stay in, be lazy, order pizza and watch cheesy movies on Netflix. Love it!

Regardless of my feelings over the years, Valentine's Day has always inspired me to create something special to give to those that I love. Here's a look at the Valentine's Day card that I made this year available for purchase on Etsy. Pair this card with one of the awesome Etsy finds below and you'll have yourself a pretty sweet Valentine's Day gift for you (and) or your love.






How adorbs are these Pug and Cat Heart Lockets by Biribis








How about this amazing Key Chain Bottle Opener by PopTag

















Happy Valentine's Day!

xo
Maria

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Top Knots to the Rescue



Ladies, as you know, our hair is an everyday challenge. In most cases, a presentable hairdo takes time. And unfortunately, time is scarce these days. A good blow out or a crown of gorgeous curls can run you anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Even a pretty ponytail can cost you 10 to 20 minutes. 
Who has the time?! 

Enter the Top Knot. Quick (I'm talking 2 to 5 minutes), relaxed, yet somehow also soft and polished, a top knot can be a real life saver when time is of the essence. Ladies, if you have not yet attempted one of these amazing time savers, otherwise known as top knots...it's about time you do yourself a favor. 

Braided Top Knot

Beehive Top Knot

 Polished Top Knot

 Twisted Top Knot

Unicorn Top Knot

Messy Top Knot with Baby Bouffant Bangs

 
 Top Knot + Flowers

At a close friend's wedding this weekend, I found myself with less than 5 minutes to do my hair (engage panic mode). This quick, messy bun tutorial popped into my head and saved the day. They handed out a beautiful strings of flowers which I added to my messy bun and viola!

1. Pinterest // 2. Pinterest // 3. Pinterest // 4. Pinterest // 5. Pinterest // 6. Pinterest // 7. Pinterest

Friday, January 3, 2014

5 Aspirational Resolutions for The New Year


Happy New Year my Lovlies!

The beginning of a new year is good time to reflect, recalibrate, refocus and then...dominate.

Have you set your New Year's resolutions yet? I've really enjoyed reading others' resolutions and wanted to share my favorite five:

  1. Set smaller monthly goals to help you achieve your larger goals
  2. Create (something, anything)
  3. Believe and invest (your time, your energy, your money) in YOU 
  4. Give more
  5. Nourish: friendships, relationships and YOU (physically, spiritually, intellectually)

What are your New Year's resolutions?

Monday, December 16, 2013

A Minute of Inspiration: The Power of Thought

During the month of October, each person at my office sent out an inspirational quote and article to share with the rest of the company. A wonderful idea initiated by my boss, each of us were exposed to a variety of inspiring projects, videos, quotes, articles and movies.

As we move into the new year and start to think about our new year's resolutions, I wanted to share the email that I shared with my co-workers. 

I hope you find some inspiration in it:



BE
“Watch your thoughts for they become words.
Watch your words for they become actions.
Watch your actions for they become habits.
Watch your habits for they become your character.
And watch your character for it becomes your destiny."

I've seen this quote credited to everyone from Margaret Thatcher to Ralph Waldo Emerson to Lao Tse. The first person to bestow this eye-opening gem upon me was my Dad. So in this case-- I credit him. 

READ
What we think, and how we think; we become. 

"Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it." When is the last time that you've paid attention to that voice in your head? Just passively listened to your own internal dialogue? Is it constructive? Destructive? Negative? Positive? With all of the noise in our lives, it's good to check in every now and then. I strongly believe (and often forget) that each of our thoughts plays a role in shaping our lives…for better or worse. 

How you think and act is what you attract. 

With that I'll share this article from www.marcandangel.com, "60 Quotes that Will Change the Way You Think.I find these quotes to be uplifting and inspirational, I hope that you do, too.

LISTEN
There is one last thing I'd like to leave you with for when you have 30 minutes to listen to a good story. Here is a link to an episode of my favorite podcast, This American Life. "Hit The Road" is the true story of Andrew Foresthoefel, who at 23 years old walked across America with a 50 pound backpack, a mandolin, and a sign that said, walking to listen. This podcast is about his personal journey and the life stories and lessons from those he met along the way.

Love & Light,
Maria

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Pretty Holiday Nails

Inspired by glittering Christmas lights, glistening snow, shiny tinsel and all things winter; the holidays provide creative license to all-- including those who may not typically embellish their tips with glitter and glitz. That said, bust out those festive polishes that you've always wanted to use and get creative!

 
 My holiday mani here was inspired by our cute little Bauble Tree.














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