Summer Bucket List

A few weeks ago, Keeley and I came up with a bucket list for this Summer. Please, observe:

It is posted in our living room for all to see and hold us accountable. (And now you can too!) So far, we have accomplished number 7, and Keeley has accomplished number 9. We have a long ways to go! Good thing we have two months of summer left!

Love,
Miranda

Simply in Love

So, if you haven't noticed....this is the second blog titled "Simply in Love." This is the first time I have given a post the same name twice - and I have a done this for a good reason. I am starting a series! (Gee - I feel like a real blogger! Ha!)

The posts titled "Simply in Love" will contain things that I am loving at the current time. They may be things that I found online, things that I love about my apartment, my life...the weather. Who knows? The ideas are limitless. I love that!

Here are the top five things that I am loving at this very moment:

1. The new ring I bought from work! (Francesca's Collections) Isn't it so darling?  

 

2. The fact that it is warm enough to leave the fan running all night. Summer is finally here!

 3. Vala. (Right now, she is in a devilish mood - but she is still too cute to be mad at. Awww.)

4. New Records and mood lighting...

5. ...and the smell of my gardenia candle. 

There you have it! I am going to wake up super early and make breakfast for Ian and Keeley (french toast) since both of them have to go straight to work. And then....I am going to make curtains for the living room...and possibly do some more sewing. We'll see. I'll probably take a nap as well. :)

I hope your night is grand, and that you find time to delight in the things that you love!

Love,
Miranda

Braving the Bright

The other day, I was walking through Target, and encountered a Sally Hanson display of nail polish. I fell in love with one of the colors - Barracouda. (A blue-ish aqua color.)

Now, I am not really into bright colored nail polish. I am more of a muted pink/coral type girl...but I just could not resist the urge to buy it! I felt a little nervous as I was painting it on...but then, I loved it! It turned out to be so cute, and just bright enough for summer. I feel very brave, and sensational!

Also, for those of you wondering, I take my pictures with our Canon Rebel. I love it! It was a wonderful wedding present from my parents. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!)

Love,
Miranda

New Toys

Vala found a new toy. She has had so much fun this morning, exploring my new office! She won't sit still...

....unless she is on top of my keyboard. 

Isn't she such a little model? Needless to say, it makes typing difficult!

Love,
Miranda

My Little Garden Room

My soul is so happy, that it is bubbling over the top of my head! :)

So, yesterday, while I was working, I had an epiphany. I have been wanting a desk/workspace to call my own since we moved out of the old apartment. I need my own space to relax and to be creative. I didn't think that I could have that, since Keeley is staying in the guest bedroom (and we love having her here!!!!). Well - guess what! I did it!

My closet in our bedroom is pretty big. As of yesterday, I just had my dresser in the middle of it, and all of clothes hanging. I did some re-arranging, and now, I have a little office! I am so proud! :) And....it only cost $12. Boy, do I love goodwill!

It is small, but just big enough! The color is not my first choice, but it isn't horrible (and it can be easily fixed!) The chair is going to be recovered soon, with vintage daisy fabric. The chair, the desk, and the cork board I all bought at Goodwill for the $12. I think it turned out beautifully!

There are three things I love about this room. It can be as girly as I like (and it is!)...I can shut the door and just be by myself if I want to....and it is MY VERY OWN (with all of my favorite things inside)!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited?

I'm going to be spending a lot of time in here.

Love,
Miranda

Fake Fall Day

This is random, I know, but I am in a fall-ish mood. This is not a new mood for me to experience. It happens every year. I love Autumn. It is my favorite season.

Now, don't get me wrong...I like spring and summer...I really do. I like all that they have to offer me. And this summer has been good so far! But, if I was truly honest, I would like fall and winter to come sooner and stay longer.

So, since I cannot speed up summer (even if I could, I doubt the world would agree to let me), I will have an Fake Fall day today. Today, I am going to turn on the air conditioner, wear a sweater and socks, burn my fall candles, bake something with cinnamon in it, watch Charlie Brown's fall classics, and curl up on the couch with Vala. Part of me will know that it is indeed June...but I will shut out that part of me in favor of living in denile.

Happy Fake Fall day everyone!

Love,
Miranda

Simply in Love

Good morning!

Since I took this morning to rest and relax (I didn't get out of bed until eleven), I am in a wonderfully good mood. I thought I might share some of those happy thoughts with you! Here are some things that I am loving right now.

1. The color of this Marigold flower.

2. Planning our Disney World Vacation!

3. Mocha Coconut Frappucinos. Delightful.

4. Having a bus pass for all summer!

5. And She & Him. They are perfect to listen to on dreary days...like today!

I hope your day is delightful!

Love,
Miranda

*all photos taken from Google

Dreaming of Organization

Now - since we are pretty much all moved into our new place, and have done most of the decorating (for now!) my next step is to streamline everyday living. The kitchen is the one place that needs the most work. I want make it a place where I can do laundry, iron clothes, work on various projects, and possibly even have a little workspace. Am I dreaming too much? We shall see! Here are a few photos for inspiration:

Fancy House Road

home-design.com

Strive to Simplify

My goal is to have this accomplished and running efficiently by next month. We'll see if I can do it! I'll post pictures of the progress - I promise!

Alright. Now that I've motivated myself to do something...I'm going to take a nap. :) Have a lovely day!

Love,
Miranda

Shocker

Guess what?

Yup. Told ya! :)

Love,
Miranda

Hemmed and Tied

I found this skirt a long time ago when I went on my grand adventure, and this week I pulled out my sewing machine and FINALLY hemmed it up! It looks quite adorable, if I do say so myself. Here - you be the judge!

Thanks to my dear sister in law, Keeley, for the fabulous pictures. :) Speaking of Keeley, she, I, and Ian are going to Lake Calhoun today, to enjoy the sunny 100 degree weather from the middle of the lake. Hopefully I won't blind people with my legs. Ha!

Love,
Miranda

Circle of Art

I finally got some time this morning, and found this amazing website! Polyvore.com. It takes famous art pieces and uses them as inspiration for outfits! And then, to top it all off...it tells you where you can find the pieces highlighted. Lovely. Here are some of my favorites:

 

Lovely? Yes. It makes me want to go the the Minneapolis Institute of Art all dressed up and ready to step into a wonderful world of color. :) Maybe I will!

Love,
Miranda