A Dog Party

We spent a good few hours on Sunday taking Lilah with us to the Maryland SPCA March for the Animals. A friend of our had invited us to be part of their group and so of course we couldn't say no. As we pulled up to the park where the event was taking place, Lilah could see the hundreds of dogs and was so excited. She could not wait to get out of the car to meet some new friends. It truly was a dog party. We enjoyed a mile and a half walk around the old reservoir and said hi to many, many other canine friends. Meanwhile, I took advantage of the beautiful day to capture a few new photos of our pretty pup.

And after a fun-filled afternoon, Lilah spent the evening napping. A tired pup is most definitely a happy pup.

Just a Few Things I'm Loving Lately

If there was a way that I could have everything that I love from Etsy lately, I'd be a happy girl.

Some fun spring earrings would be nice!

via Laonato

Hand painted sake cups-- I think these would also work perfectly for soy sauce dipping for sushi!

via sew Zinski

I wouldn't mind having these fun prints to hang in my studio space.

via Amanda Catherine Designs

These post cards are pretty fabulous!

via Mademoiselle Yo

This would work perfectly to store colored pencils.

via Mama Bleu Designs

What are some of your current Etsy favorites?

Frustration

I had a few things happen this past week that left me feeling at a bit of a stand still. As I began reflecting on all of it, I thought about the beginning of this indie business venture of mine. Starting out it seemed easy. There were no overly complicated things to think about. As my business continued to grow, each level became much more difficult until I reached the point where I am now.

The amount of work that I put into my shop has increased immensely, yet there are times when I feel as though there is little progress forward, or sometimes even days when I feel as though I am taking several steps back. The worst part about this frustration is that it is draining me of creative energy. I sit down with the intention of creating, only to sit and stare at an empty Illustrator artboard or a blank card and stacks of paper. I'm stuck in a negative cycle.

In one of my most recent fits of frustration, a blog friend Patti shared a great article that got my mind back on track. It reminded me of what my priorities need to be. So I decided to consciously think about the positives. I decided to get back into my yoga routine that I lost a few months ago. I decided to take time off from the things that were adding to my frustration. I decided to stop comparing myself to others and to not be so hard on myself. And mostly, I decided to step away from things if it becomes too frustrating, and come back to it a different day or a different time.

Day one into my new positive cycle and I'm feeling a lot better. I'm realizing that I control how I feel rather than letting it up to circumstances. Some of the circumstances are not up to my control in any way, but it is up to me how I react. Aside from these changes I'm trying to make, I decided to let it all out realizing that I'm not always alone in this department. Do you ever feel stuck in a rut of frustration? What are the methods you have used to cope with your own frustrations?

CLOSED ::: Giveaway ::: Sassy Scentz

::: This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering! :::

I am super excited about this fabulous giveaway I am hosting this week. Stephanie of Sassy Scentz is offering up a variety of handmade soaps to one of my lucky readers! This giveaway is just in time for celebrating 200 followers! Yes, 200! I am absolutely blown away by each and every one of you! So I'm so happy that Stephanie has offered up a variety basket of her wonderful soap-- perfect to pamper yourself with.

Here is what Stephanie has to say about Sassy Scentz:

My shop offers a variety of soaps- some basic, natural organic soaps, and some fun scented soaps! From classic scents like vanilla and lavender, to funky scents like fruit loops and dirt! All soaps made in small batches and individually cut... each bar in beautifully imperfect.

One winner will get a basket of Sassy Soaps which includes four bars of soap in the following scents-- Warm Cinnabun, Fresh Brewed Coffee, Vanilla Sugar, and French green clay with avocado oil. The basket will also include a wooden soap dish and mini loofah.

And in addition to the giveaway, Stephanie is offering all Row House 14 readers with a coupon code to her shop. You can use the code ROWHOUSE14 to receive 15% off of your purchase.

This giveaway is open to all readers in the U.S. and Canada.

How to Enter

Mandatory Entry

You must be a GFC follower of Row House 14 in order to enter. Visit Stephanie's shop Sassy Scentz, favorite one of her items, and leave a comment telling which item you favorited.

Additional Entries

1. Like Row House 14 on Facebook.
2. Follow me on Twitter.

3. Tweet about this giveaway.

4. Share this giveaway on Facebook.

Be sure to leave a comment for each of your entries in order for all of them to count! That's a total of 5 ways to enter to win! This giveaway is open in the U.S. and Canada only. The giveaway will run for a week and close at 9pm EST on Tuesday, May 1. The winner will be announced Wednesday, May 2. Be sure to check in next Wednesday to see if you've won!

Whatever's On Your Mind

This week I can't get the newest album by Gomez out of my head. The album called Whatever's On Your Mind has been playing non-stop on my stereo, and there is a lot about it to love. Acoustic pop, elaborate orchestrations, glitchy electronics looped over dance beats, some brass band sounds, and a handful of anything else that I failed to mention.

The album's title track has been hard for me to shake.

And Song in My Heart takes on a totally different vibe that I love as well.


It is truly hard to go wrong with these guys. What album or song can't you shake these days?

Printed Sunglasses

One new fun summer style trend I've noticed lately is printed sunglasses. Sick of the boring black or brown shades? Have no worries because these finds will surely do the trick. These sunglasses are definitely thinking outside of the box and will definitely make a statement on a sunny day.

via

via

via

via

via

And being the sunglasses kind of gal that I am, I may just have to add one of these to my collection of shades. :)

Bright Corals

I've definitely jumped on the coral obsession bandwagon. No doubt about it. It started with this nail color and a shirt that I picked up at Old Navy the other day, and ended with about five other things in coral that I bought in the same day of spring/summer clothes shopping. Here are just a few more things I've found that are just as fabulous!

via Essie

via Old Navy

via Gap

How about coral painted walls? We already accomplished this look in our kitchen a few summers ago.

via Country Living

via Handbag Heaven

Of course shoes are a must!

via Nordstrom

via The White Ribbon

via Voz Clothing

Have you jumped on the coral loving bandwagon yet?

Recipe Sharing Machine

Hey guys! Just wanted to pop in to say that I'm blogging over at Simply Fabulous today. I've been sharing all sorts of recipes with you and others these days so I thought, why not share one more? You can call me a recipe sharing machine! Today you'll find the recipe for my super simple barbeque chicken and pasta salad, so be sure to head on over! ;)

Urban Gardening

It's kind of hard to have a garden in Baltimore, but every year I still do my best to make it feel as though we have one. I've found that the best option is to use pots and containers of various sizes and arrange them in a way to create a lush space.

After spending an afternoon at our favorite greenhouse, I was finally able to finish planting everything that we brought home with us. We have an array of herbs-- basil, cilantro, mint, chives, and dill. I addition, we planted a lettuce mix, and tomato and pepper plants that we picked up at the farmer's market. In addition to our herbs and veggies, we planted all sorts of flowers and started growing a flowering vine which we hope will begin growing on our pergola.

The best part about planting is seeing how lush everything is by the peak of summer. While the pots currently look much to big for many of our plants, the reward comes when the plants have filled each pot out fully and we have lots of green life! I am also especially excited about our plants this year because this summer our patio is finished instead of looking like this. And that is definitely something to be happy about! :)

P.S. The winner of the Ephemeral Pillages ring giveaway is commenter #4-- Beth! Congratulations Beth! I'll be in touch with you shortly! :)

The Punch Brothers

I grew up with a lot of bluegrass. My dad played a lot of it, and still does, in band that he plays with these days. Bluegrass isn't the only thing that he plays, but that is how I was exposed to it. Needless to say, I love it. And one thing that I love about it is it's versatility. It can be percussive, jazz-like, or carry a bit of a twang.

I've been a bit obsessed with the Punch Brothers lately, a bluegrass quintet fronted by mandolinist extraordinaire Chris Thile. I first heard Chris Thile when he played for Nickel Creek. Myself and a bunch of college roommates had gone to see John Mayer, and Nickel Creek was opening for him. John Mayer is an amazing guitarist, but I was definitely impressed with Thile (consider Thile the rock star of all rock stars of mandolinists).

Most recently, Andrew and I were lucky to see the Punch Brothers open for Bruce Hornsby this past August. And they are absolutely fantastic. After buying their latest album, Who's Feeling Young Now?, I've quickly found that their music is some of the most original and experimental in their genre. It's hard not to like it.

No Concern of Yours has quickly become my favorite song on their album.



Movement and Location shows influence from greats like David Grisman and Stephane Grappelli.



Hope you enjoy the Punch Brothers just as much as I do! What have you been listening to lately?

Busy Bee

How was your weekend? Mine was pretty busy. But lazy too, if you know what I mean. In other words, I didn't do anything super strenuous or feel rushed around here and there. Sunday was perhaps one of the most productive days I've had in quite a while, so I just had to share with you all of my hard work from the weekend.

And this is only half of what I worked on. I also have a fabulous new line of recipe cards (but I thought I'd save that for a different day) and a hilarious graduation card that I didn't share. Turns out that I made a typo. Yup, even English teachers make mistakes.

Anyone as productive as I was this weekend? Have a fabulous week, and don't forget-- only two more days to enter this giveaway, so be sure to do so if you haven't yet!

Guest Post ::: Fabulous Friday Finds

Hello all of you Row House 14 readers!  I am Evanne from simply FABulous and I am so pleased that Heidi invited me over to share with you one of my weekly Fabulous Friday Finds posts. 

 Today I am sharing with you my love for 

CHIFFON TOPS

There are so many great things about these tops:

1. they are light weight

2. they are flowy and fun

3. they come in all different styles and patterns

4. they look great with pants, skirts, or shorts

I have started my collection of these tops myself and can't wait to add more to the mix.

Here are some of the styles of Chiffon that I am LOVING:

Fabulous Find #1:

PRINTS

I own a fun leopard print chiffon button down top that I absolutely love!  I have worn it with jeans for a casual look and paired it with a black pencil skirt for a professional work look.

leopard print chiffon shirt // OLD NAVY

Look at all the fun prints that they have out now!  I want them all!

H&M

Old Navy

The Limited

Fabulous Find #2:

NEONS




Neon colors are BIG right now.  It is all about being BRIGHT and COLORFUL!  I do not own any bright and colorful chiffon tops, but there are so many fun ones out there that I would love to add to my wardrobe.

Express

JCPenney

Old Navy

Fabulous Find #3:

TIES




Ties in the front of shirts are becoming a large fashion trend.  It adds a nice soft feminine touch.



They can be at the top by the neckline:

ModCloth

Old Navy

or at the bottom by waist:

Nordstrom

Fabulous Find #4:

BASICS

You can never go wrong with the basics.  Plain neutral colors can be paired with several different outfits.

Express

ModCloth

The Limited

As you can see, there are SO many different styles out there to choose from and they all look SO cute!  I have a couple of them and I wear them all the time...especially because they give me some "breathing" room :)



I hope you all enjoyed this edition of Fabulous Friday Finds.  Come visit me at simply FABulous to check out more!



Thanks Heidi!