Short & Sweet - DIY State Canvas

I know we've all seen them - they're floating around Pinterest, Etsy, and pretty much any Google DIY canvas search.  The state prints that are so famous for showing where loved ones live, your hometown, or where you're building your family.

After painting our living room wall last week with help from my mom and dad, we decided it was time for new artwork over the couch.  I guess having the pop of blue on the wall gave me the idea to add a touch of color and character to our decor.  Chris loves maps...and I mean LOVES!  If I could do a whole wall mural of a map, I think he'd be head over heels.  I decided I wanted to try and make my own state art similar to those shown below.  My plan is to do three, one for Tennessee (my home state), one for Connecticut (Chris' home state), and one for Virginia (where we currently live while Chris attends medical school).  Once we move for residency, it would be easy enough to whip up another canvas showing our then current state.

My hope is that I can pull off the idea in my head and have the state be in gold leaf instead of a different color of paint.  Plans may change if I can't get the gold leaf to stick right, but it's easy enough to change plans when it comes to paint and canvases.  So far, I have the base coat of paint on the canvas for Virginia, hoping to do a second coat and attempt the gold leaf tomorrow evening.

Stand by for updates and the finished product!



If you're not the DIY type, each of the above and many more can be found at the links below.

Tennessee
North Carolina
Georgia
California

Are You a Leader?

Have you ever thought of yourself as a leader to others?

I recently attended the local Women's Leadership Conference and can say I've never felt more empowered to strive to become more.  After hearing many women who are either owners or CEO's, it made me realize that even though the statistics are low for women in leadership roles, it's not unattainable.  I've never had the dream of owning a company or becoming a CEO, but I do hope to be in a leadership role one day.

So I started thinking...what exactly makes someone leader?  A leader is simply defined as a person who leads.  A leader to me is someone who sets an example of how they want the job done and fosters others towards their professional and personal growth.

A leadership role can be handed to the most unlikely of candidates, and they could completely excel at it.  Sometimes all it takes is the right opportunity at the right time.  As the quote above mentions, you never know who is watching.  Always give 110% of yourself to anything you're passionate about.  The person who one day offers you your dream job could be watching from behind the scenes waiting to see what you can do.

Whether you've been handed a leadership opportunity or you've worked your whole life towards attaining that position, strive to be more.  Strive to be the best you can be in your field.  To be that person who everyone knows is excellent at her job and has the capabilities to lead a team to success.

What motivates you to be the BEST at what you do?

Short & Sweet - Wallets

I think it's finally time I bought a new wallet.  I have a Hobo wallet that I bought about 5 or 6 years ago that is starting to show it's age.  I think it's due to shoving too many business cards or gift cards in the slots as they're starting to stretch out and I worry that my cards may fall out one day.

But how much should you spend on something that hides in your purse?  I absolutely love my Hobo wallet and the fact that it's held up for so long.  I think it's important to spend a good chunk of change on something if you expect it to last you more than one season for clothes or more than one year for accessories.

I signed up for Kate Spade emails a few months ago and have been enjoying the private sales ever since.  If you haven't signed up for them yet, I highly suggest you do!  I also am a loyal fan of Michael Kors and love everything that I've ever purchased from them.  My Tory Burch flats are, by far, my favorite flats ever!  I'm not by any means, a brand snob.  But I do believe that you get what you pay for.  That being said, I do try to buy name brand on the items that I use or wear every day...as they hold up longer and are better quality.

I can't decide if I want to get a bold color or a neutral color that goes with everything.  Which is your favorite?

1. 'Jet Set - Slim' Saffiano Leather Wallet
2. 'Cobble Hill - Lacey' Zip Around Wallet
3. 'Lauren' Double Frame Clutch
4. 'Grove Court - Lacey' Leather Wallet
5. 'Jet Set' Saffiano Zip Around Wallet
6. 'Sadie' Wallet

Short & Sweet - Cupcake Addiction

Being that it's finally Friday, it might be a splurge day when I decide to stop by the local cupcake bakery and pick up a couple treats for the weekend.

Anyone who knows me well knows I LOVE cupcakes!  If I could start my dream job tomorrow, it would be to open a cupcake bakery. 

 

I've been wanting to try a new cupcake recipe lately, but haven't found one that strikes my interest.  Have any of you found a good cupcake recipe lately that you liked?  I'm always trying to find unique recipes that aren't the basic vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet.

 

As always…