Life Lately… Almost Done

bike1One thing you guys don’t know about me is that I have a really bad habit of getting fixated on something I want. In this recent PINS post, I shared with you some bike designs I’m loving. I thought about it for a while and I decided I’d go with the 3rd photo. My bike used to look like this (I know! Not me at all! ), but I’ve given it a paint job and I’m starting to change out some of the accessories on it to better fit me and my style.

Nati got me this Brooks Saddle that I LOVE. I bought some leather swatches too to get started on a DIY leather handlebar grip and brake clasps.

bike02I also got a gold chain to replace the original one. I’ll be adding some leather toe straps and a Japanese gold bike bell to match, too. I don’t really need the leather toe straps because I don’t ride a fixed gear right now. But in case I ever do learn in the future, the straps will help a lot during practice.
bike03During the paint job, I covered the Fuji badge with painter’s tape to preserve it. I think it came out pretty neat!

This weekend will consist of bike stuff, more packing, cleaning and errands. It’s not much but I’m really hoping to get started on those handlebars. Anyway, I hope you guys have some fun plans this Memorial Day weekend! – C.

My Favorite Quotes From…

MFQF-Erin-CassidyErin’s thoughts on creativity and happiness has always been my go-to whenever I’m in need of a pick-me-up. At Art Social, I can always read something inspiring and uplifting for times when I feel a little lost and stuck. The very successful Be Happy LinkUp that Erin started also served as a gateway for me to meet so many bloggers from all over. When I first started blogging, I had no idea what I was doing and where I should start looking. The Linkup gave me the opportunity to forge blogging relationships and even friendships that I wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s also helped me really put some structure into my blog and a plan of sorts on how I was going to achieve happiness thru my blog and my work. Art Social is never short of inspiration and here are some quotes that I’ve kept along the way.

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“Being alone shouldn’t be feared. Relish in the moments of solitude, of brevity and welcome new friendships. There are friendships to be made and places to discover… if only you let go.”

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“I’m starting to understand that YOU define your own legitimacy. Your worth is what you say it is.”~~~
“A sense of lighthearted detachment goes a long way when you’re being creative.”

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“I want to keep pushing myself because each new experience has made my world that much bigger.”

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“The gap between our thoughts is where we can find our unlimited potential.”

Thanks, Erin!

Design Residency /11: Modern Home Spa

I’m thinking about what feel I’d like to have in my future bathroom and I think I’m going for spa. Dim lights, minimal bath accessories, clean lines and wood accents. The best massage I’ve had was at Four Seasons as a birthday and anniversary gift from Nati. Now, every time I go to the bathroom I try and remember what it felt like in that spa. It was peaceful, serene and smelled like aromatic lavender and citrus oils. Sometimes I even put on spa music! I’d spend hours in there if I could… DR-HeaderDR-11-InspirationDR-MidDR-11-Modern-Home-SpaInspiration from Brown Paper Bag; 1. Sechura Towels from Anthropologie; 2. Fig + Yarrow Beauty Products from Anthropologie; 3.  Soneca Pendant Lamp from CB2; 4. Fez Bath Mat from West Elm; 5. Waterfall Shower Curtain from Urban Outfitters
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DESIGN RESIDENCY is a collaborative series with Bedsidesign and Striped Cat Studio. Stop by their blogs to see their own versions of Design Residency and visit us on Pinterest!

Like White Pear Tea

like-white-pear-teaI was never one to wear all white (or close!) before. I always thought that it was too monochromatic and boring. But this outfit made me think twice about that. Although the top and bottom pieces are close in color, the slight difference plus the hem lines and material really add just enough contrast. Pair them with these cute Charlotte Olympia flats and you’ll have a bright outfit without the loud colors. The color story in this post is reminiscent of this loose leaf tea called white pear from Revolution.

1. Mura Top by Need Supply Co.; 2. Coast Shorts by Need Supply Co.; 3. Embroidered Kitty Flats by Charlotte Olympia; 4. Mint Geometric Necklace by Shop Sosie; 5. Gold Wedge Pouch by Baggu; 6. Monogrammed Mug by Anthropologie

PINS /22: Colorful Earthy Homes

Since we signed the lease to our new apartment last week, I’ve been going nuts looking for some interior inspiration. I told myself I have to do it right this time. I want a design that has us written all over it. Kind of like when you first walk in, you can definitely say “This is so Ces and Nati!” When I was on Breanna Rose’s blog last week, her current post on Wantlist really sealed the deal. That was it! I want a modern earthy home with pops of color! Lots of natural wood, white walls, neutral furniture and fixtures but adding in some visual interest with small colorful objects here and there. Here are some homes I’ve been looking at!modern-earthy-home-1
modern1Yes yes yes to plants! I’m going to try and not make my house look like a jungle, but I really think plants add something special to a place. Or maybe because I really love nature?  A medium sized fig tree in my big gold planter would be amazing!
modern-earthy-home-2 modern2I love how everything is toned down, turning the objects on the coffee table and green shutter dividers into a focal point in the home.

modern-earthy-home-3 modern3The old books do a great job hiding what seems like an old heater. I also love that the ledge was transformed into a sitting area for reading, having coffee or just people watching.

I know I can’t do it all in a week but maybe when all is said and done, I can share with you some photos of our new apartment. I do know that there will be lots of trips to the flea market and thrift store in the very near future!

P.S. Have you checked out some amazing entries in Apartment Therapy’s Small Cool Contest? This one is my favorite!

Top: Photo by Elina Dahl; Terrarium Curated by I am The Lab; Deer Print by Cirque D’Art
Mid: Photo by Style Essentials; Varanasi Stool by CB2; Moka Pot by Andrew Cloutier
Bottom: Photo by Alvhem Malkeri Interior; Item already sold but more from Clockwork Universe; Pink Pom Pom Throw by Hattan Home