27.7.12

rawwr // keeping animal print classy

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This post goes out to the lads and lasses that fancy a bit of animal print in their lives, but aren't sure how to incorporate it into their spaces without it looking like Snooki's wardrobe. I hereby proclaim that you are ALLOWED to use leopard print patterns in decor! Just make sure that it's not overwhelming the space altogether. Other tips include:

  • pairing it with fancy or more upscale shapes
  • No full leopard carpet. Just no.
  • Don't pair it with other really out there patterns or colours (ie. Neon + Leopard + Zebra = likely disaster)

Let me know if you have any other tips for using animal print in your home decor!

23.7.12

the best of pinterest: edition four

Ok, first things first, let's get some business straightened out. I have been vacant from this blog recently and for that I am super sorry! I promise that from here on out my posts will be more frequent (I blame the summer heat). Now for the fun - a late coming new edition of the best of Pinterest!

21.7.12

bookworm: little bee

Since now I'm commuting to my internship 5 days a week, for an hour each way, I've been reading so many books to pass the time! My mom gave me this book to read after she enjoyed reading it, and I ended up really liking it. Chris Cleave writes really honestly and leaves the reader in anticipation of finding out more about the main climactic event of the story! Little Bee follows the lives of two women from different sides of the world, who, through an unfortunate series of events, cross each others paths. I can't tell you much else about this except for that it's a secret! So when you read it (which you must), make sure to not tell your girlfriends what happens (cue the maniacal laughter). In all seriousness, it's actually a really great book with an unique and heartfelt plot.

Let me know what you thought of the book if you've already read it and if you haven't yet, let me know what you think of it when you finish it!

20.7.12

enticing eats: spaghetti squash

Spaghetti squash is a great alternative to pasta, potatoes, or rice. The cooked squash shreds into threads like thin spaghetti or vermicelli. On average, a spaghetti squash measures about 12 inches in length and about 6 inches in diameter. The squash should be an even light yellow colour and firm with no bruises. Spaghetti squash is available year-round with peak season in fall. The best part is it's ridiculously easy to make.

19.7.12

inspiration: jess lc

all products and images from www.jesslc.com

I love the online shop of Jessica Lynne Constable from Chicago, Illinois. Although she is primarily an accessories designer, she also produces some great typographic tote bags and prints (my fav is the "BE PRESENT" print featured above). Yay for simplistic but eye-catching design!

TTFN,

18.7.12

inspiration: calm and bright swedish apartment

I feel zen just looking at these images. If this were my apartment, I would love spending Sunday mornings curled up in that gorgeous bedroom and eating some delicious breakfast on the wood table white reading a great book. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to a calm and relaxing weekend.

TTFN,

17.7.12

typography tuesday: every artist...

Today I came across this lovely and oh-so-accurate piece by Sam Stratton of Sam Stratton Design. I found his work on Dribble, a site that I've came across while trying to find inspiration for my business cards (which I can't wait to show you all!). The actual typography in this isn't overly out there, but I appreciate the great quote and simple - but effective - design. It's a great reminder of how much I've grown over the past few years and how much I've learned and developed in all of my creative ventures. When I started Xquisit Magazine, I knew nothing about InDesign. Now, I know it like the back of my hand and don't know what I'd do without it! The same goes for my photography. When I started photographing headshots in 2008, I had no idea how to execute the concepts I had in my head and very little knowledge about lighting and Photoshop. With practice and much researching, I am confident in saying that I can pretty much figure out most things that I put my mind to.

Stay inspired, 2OAKERS!

9.7.12

dorm room decor on a budget

Nobody wants a drab dorm room come fall. If you're on this website, you've probably already been looking for dorm decor inspiration for a while. Moving into a tiny space doesn't have to mean you should give up all of your room design hopes, so below, I've collected some fun ideas for your new space! Enjoy! 

Also, be sure to leave any other tips or ideas you may have in the comments below!
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1. Simplicity does not have to mean a boring space! Don't go overboard while shopping for dorm supplies, this will only crowd your already tiny room. Bring in just a few key pieces to make your space yours. In this photo, the student has hung a print instead of the typical college posters, has traded in the standard dorm room chair for a more interesting (and most definitely more comfortable) chair, and has brought in great accents such as a floral lamp and a white rug. Clean, simple, and not your average dorm room.
2. Find interesting pieces to put on your desk. Mix in organization, artwork, and a DIY letter or two and you've got a glamorous workspace!
3. Maps are a great way to dress up the walls in your dorm. Bigger maps make for a great statement piece in your space.
4. Make organization fun (and adorable). This DIY-er made a one-stop spot for their monthly calendar, food plans, to-do lists, and chore lists for the entire apartment!
5. Display your jewellery. Now, of course this depends on if you trust your roommates to lock the doors of your dorm (and not to steal said jewellery), but this simple touch, done with tacks on a cork board, definitely dresses up your room!
6. Lighting is everything. If you don't like the lights in your room, bring an extra lamp. If you want to dress up your room, bring a statement lamp! Great lighting will make you enjoy being in your room a lot more.

6.7.12

inspiration: cabin getaways

all images via FCP

After coming across this website on Monday, I spent almost an hour just searching through the peaceful images of secluded cabins worldwide. It brought back the fond memories of camping as a child, going to Camp Oconto and visiting my uncle's cottage properties in Algonquin. I found myself feeling immediately more peaceful and inspired after visiting this blog, so you best be checking it out yourself!

TTFN,

5.7.12

aspire to inspire: the everygirl

all images via the Everygirl 
pictures from segments {one} Jenn Lake  / {two} Mindy Weiss / {three} Candace Nelson / {four} Bri Emery and Angela Kohler 


I always sign off on my posts with this line - aspire to inspire. It something that signifies hard work to achieve the goals I've set out for myself. I want to inspire the lives of others in whatever I do - whether that be career wise, friendship wise, etc. etc. Insert one of the best inspiration websites for just this! I came across this website called The Everygirl, which is full of inspirational posts about women who succeeded with their goals and "made it". Reading just one of their interviews made me super inspired/excited to keep going and pursue what I love (so then I sat there and read basically every post). If you're looking for a great dose of inspiration check it out for yourself! I would switch places with any one of these girls just for a day if I could! Each and every story inspires me to work hard to reach my goals.

aspire to inspire,


4.7.12

wish list: smoking loafers

I need me some of these beauts! One thing I've learned since starting my internship is that there is little more important than having comfortable shoes at work! These smoking shoes are so perfect for a great combo of comfort and style. These 5 picks are most definitely my favourite shoes of this style out there!

1. Zara Studded Slipper - $49.90 
2. Moontan Laser-cut Slippers from Topshop - $47.88 (converted from GBP)
4. Vectra4 Canvas Studded Slippers from Topshop - $44.59 (converted from GBP)
5. ALDO Blye Flats - $80.00

Your shopping enabler,

3.7.12

typography tuesday: jacques & gilles

I feel like I've been seeing this font EVERYWHERE recently. Every time I see it I fall in love with it all over again. I have a strong appreciation for the fact that fonts can completely transform and define a brand (hence me doing this typography series), and Jacques & Gilles by Emily Lime is so versatile and unique that I just had to include it!

Enjoy your Tuesday!