Happy Valentine’s Day! Instead of “giving” you real flowers today, I thought I’d share one of my favorite paintings {of flowers}. Yes, we all love the way fresh flowers smell and look on that kitchen table but why not have flowers that last and forever brighten your day?

via lulie wallace

Did you happen to catch Chipotle’s wonderful and beautifully animated commercial last night during the Grammy Awards? If not, here’s the link.

And, if you’re like me and loving the rendition of Coldplay’s The Scientist, covered by Willie Nelson, you can download the song on iTunes. All proceeds benefit the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation.

Do you read Rue Magazine? If not, you should start. It’s a great monthly read full of amazing features and wonderful inspiration from interior design to entertaining.

{click here to read the current issue}

Lately, I’ve had several conversations with my best friends about transitions, specifically career changes. It seems like the 20’s are full of questions and trying to figure out who you are and what you want to be when you “grow up”. But the question that no one really takes the time to ask is, are you happy? If the answer is no, then how can you change it?  When you think about it, you are at work for the majority of your days so why not be working towards something that makes you energized, fulfilled and inspired?

I’ve put together a few images that I found that inspire me and tell my {current} story of my transition into becoming a design freelancer/small business owner.

{number one}

via google

you mean to tell me that when all I ever wanted was to major in “drawing bubble letters” this was really my gut telling me to go down a creative path? true story. I wanted to go to school and draw letters. What? I think a bachelors in “Letters and Being Awesome with Markers” makes total sense. How could you not want a project that involved making a big poster with sharpies?! I guess my love of typography has always been in my soul.

{number two}

via pinterest

So maybe drawing letters isn’t your thing. Totally normal. What is your thing then? Use this chart. Evaluate what makes you happy. what makes you excited. what makes you come alive.

{number three}

via pinterest

Do something about it. I’m here to tell you that “making it happen” isn’t easy and it’s definitely scary but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Life is just too short to be wishing and hoping. If you don’t bet on yourself, no one else will. In time, it will all come together and you’ll soon be wondering how you ever did anything else.

So, what makes you happy? If you’re in a rut, try this out and see what you come up with. Continue to be close to the people that inspire you and you’ll be amazed at what transpires.

{go on and hitch your wagon to a star}

As you may know, Pantone released it’s color of the year, and this year they are heating things up.
{drumroll please} Introducing Tangerine Tango:

You might be saying, great orange is coming back? well don’t fret. here are a few ways to make sure you stay on trend in 2012.

{try it on}
Let’s face it, orange isn’t the easiest color to wear, but there are a ton of ways to incorporate a little color to make any outfit pop.

via closet coach on polyvore

{take it inside}
Liven up your home with a little color. Make a statement by adding a chair, a throw pillow, a blanket or if you dare, paint a wall. Seriously, I dare you.

via pinterest

via Apartment Therapy

And for all of the beauty lovers out there, be on the look out. I’ve read that Sephora will be launching a “color of the year” beauty collection, including eye shadow, lipstick, lip gloss and nail polish. So spice up your spring and try them out (but not all at once.)

How will you tango?

The other night, I decided to try a new recipe; a zucchini and squash bake. As I started making it, I realized that something was missing. I either needed to add something to it or make something along with it. What’s a girl to do in the middle of cooking? Luckily I had polenta on hand- what a perfect addition.
Here’s how to make it:

{what you need}
2 zucchini, sliced
2 yellow squash, sliced
1 T minced garlic
4 T fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
1 cup of low-fat mozzarella
1/2 cup parmesan, grated
1 pre-cooked “log” of polenta, sliced
1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce
+ salt and pepper to taste

{directions}
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.