a cultured bulldog.

I'm a firm supporter of the arts, and feel that everyone should do their part to support community arts programs. The same goes for little rockstar mutts. The boy had a day off and took Bentley on a tour around the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, a must for anyone visiting here. Unfortuantely pooches aren't allowed inside, but she got her fill of inspiration in the surrounding culture.

cutie with the bootie.

We can rejoice. 

1. Fall means we no longer need to invest in pedicures. 

2. We can use that money to make our feet look even cuter, a la booties. 

I don't know any girl that doesn't love wearing booties, and saying booties. Even the word is more adorable than boot. What makes it even better at the moment is the obsessive-worthy trends that make them even more badass (studs), sexy (leopard) and adorable (every shade o' suede). 

Here are just a few lustyworthy finds that are hungry for my bank account. I'll eventually get you Rag and Bone Harlows. sigh. 

KORS Michael Kors lace up boots / Matiko leather boots / Rag & Bone Harlow  / ALDO shoes / Steve Madden lace up boots / Rebecca Taylor lace up booties / Sam Edelman Petty Leopard Booty

apps we ♥ | iDarkroom.

There are a flood of photo filtering apps out there. Of course we all worship on the alter of Instagram, but there are a few others I've found that take it up a notch. One of which is iDarkroom.

iDarkroom is basically Instagram on crack, going beyond color filters to provide texture such as paper, light leak & bokeh, vignettes, noise and various frames. 

It doesn't have the social element of instagram, but of course you can save and share photos to such platforms. It also costs $1.99, which is chump change for photography lovers. Totally worth it. 

You can download it for iPhone here. Happy filtering.

on the record | royal teeth.

{image via}

Another band that has just emerged and I already love. They're from the south, New Orleans-y area, and obviously adorable (see image above).

I love what I'm hearing so far. They'll be hitting tour with labelmates Fitz and Tantrums. Come to Kansas City, pleease.

Thanks.

salted caramel blondies.

Yes, you heard correct. Salted. Caramel. Blondies. 

The combination of salt and caramel is simply brilliant. I hate admit my first introduction to this was via a salted caramel mocha at starbucks, but it was. And it was delicious. If you haven't tried the savory sweet concoction before, I would highly recommend it. 

These basically bring the flavor in blondie form. Don't be alarmed at the about of butter required. It is not a typo (you do need 4 sticks), but I promise it is worth it. 

For the Crust:

1 lb. (4 sticks) salted butter, softened

1 cup sugar 

1½ cups powdered sugar

2 Tbs vanilla

4 cups all purpose flour

{Mix together ingredients and press half into coated pan and bake at 325 degrees. 

Save the rest for the topping.}

For the Filling:

1 bag (14 oz.) caramel candies

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

½ teaspoon vanilla

2 teaspoons sea salt

{Place unwrapped caramels, heavy whipping cream and vanilla in saucepan until 

melted and smooth - pour on crust and sprinkle with sea salt}

{Cover the caramel filling by sprinkling the remaining crust dough on top, and bake for another 25 minutes}

polka dot pumpkins.

Spray paint is addicting. Seriously addicting. I bought a few cans on a whim (one matte white and one a metallic gold) and have been 'refreshing' things all around the house, which also happens to drive my fiancee nuts. 

"Did you really just spray paint the paper towel holder gold?" 

"Yes, yes I did. And look how much cuter it is!" 

(eye roll ensues) 

My latest victims are the baby pumpkins we had on our porch. But tell me these aren't adorable. 

{The materials: spray paint, painting tape and pumpkins}

{Spray the pumpkins outdoors, and away from anyone that might want to eat them} 

{Use the tape to create a design of your choice. I'm partial to dots.}

office space.

I've been spending a lot of time working at home lately. A LOT. It comes with working in an agency. But, one good things comes with long hours - I've discovered a new found need for a more cozy, inspiring work space in the house. 

Here are just a few pieces of inspiration I've been using to envision the finished project. 

{A cozy chair makes work seem a little more inviting. via Sudden Impact}

{I'm always a fan of white on white, especially with pops of color. via Apt. Therapy}

{Bright, fresh flowers - always a do. via MadeByGirl}

{A constantly changing mood board to inspire. via Apt. Therapy}

{Awesomely awesome black walls for chalk boarding/magneting/whatever. via Merry Mishap}

#happy

{via Sam Dedel}

I came across this little print on Pinterest a while back. Saw it, liked the design, repinned, and didn't think much more of it.

Then, a few weeks later, I was driving to work - uber grumpy as I didn't have time to make coffee - and the words from this print popped back in my head. I had been in a funk for a few weeks, not necessarily unhappy, but just realizing that perhaps my routine had become something that didn't pump a lot of happy juju in my soul. I realized that I hadn't been making time to do things that make me a happier person. I realized that focusing on these things is not merely for my own personal well-being, but also because I feel that it makes me more pleasant to be around. 

Selfishly doing things you enjoy is actually a selfless thing.

Of course there are the unevitables that you'll never be able to side step - no one likes waking up early, even if you claim to be a 'morning person', work is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you'll never escape the time-consumers of maintaining a clean apartment or home. But hey, why not prioritize time on the little things that do knock a little joy back in your day. Baking, painting, crafting, yoga, running, writing - whatever it is, prioritize it in your day planner.
And make it as big of a deal as the other "more important" matters.

Finding what makes you happy isn't hard, but making the time to DO MORE of it is. But, at the end of the day - it's worth it to get that happy juju back.
And I'm sure your friends and co-workers will be happy you did.