oh happy friday no. 111111

Has it really been that long since I have blogged a little inspiration post?! I apologize for this as I think October spun me around and around in circles and left me feeling a bit dizzy. In a really, really good way.

Today, I cannot help but think of it as a VERY lucky day. Not only is it a day in which we celebrate and salute all those who have, are and will fight for our country to continue to live in the land of the free (thank you to all of our US veterans and soldiers!!!), but it also has to do with the fact that it is 11.11.11. And, you better believe that I made a wish at 11:11 am as well. So, on this VERY lucky day, I am going to leave all of my lovely readers with some wise words to start off the weekend...




via by none other than Winne the Pooh

Happy Veteran's Day, 11.11.11 and Friday!!! Hope all of you do something fabulous!

oh happy friday no. 093011

I would like to ask just one question. Where did September go? Seriously. How is it October almost? As I say good-bye to my birthday month, I welcome with open arms the month of October. Why? Because it is filled with all kinds of fall goodness. Apple Fest. Irish Fest. Chili on Sunday nights with the windows open and autumn Scentsy smells filling our home. Baseball playoffs and college football. Visitors from home. Jumping in piles of leaves because we can. The first frost. Boots. Can't forget about the scarves. Oh, the scarves. And, eating, I mean handing out candy to cute little princesses and pirates. As for this weekend, we will be celebrating with friends all things Kansas City at the biggest BBQ this town has seen. And, we will be soaking up some family time with some of our favorite visitors as we take a little trip up north to soak up fall and bottle it up with some snapshots with my friend, Canon. Canon the camera of course. Somewhere in there, we will be sure to sport our red and cheer on our Redbirds as they sweep up this next round of games and do us proud by heading to the World Series. Did I lose cool KC points for saying that on here? Eh, I will take the hit. In the meantime, I will leave you with some eye candy to kick off October.

Happy Friday, Ya'll!



Dolled Up Pumpkin I Note to Self I Creative Space I Apples I Bike Love I Fall Flowers

oh happy friday 090211

Helloooooooo sweet September! I've been waiting for you ALL year. Maybe it is because I turn the big 2-7. And, I intend on using but it's my birthday this month... to celebrate EVERY single day until September 30th rolls around. Or maybe it is because it starts getting darker just a little more early than August, the leaves start to change color and the cool crisp air greets us in the morning. It definitely has something to do with the fact that this month kicks off my favorite season: fall! Bring on pumpkin flavored anything, movie nights and lighting the fireplace, crazy costumes, apple picking, trips to Weston, our home smelling of delicious chili and acorn squash and my boots. Really, this month is just filled with all kinds of goodness. And all I can think about is cupcakes, cakes, cookies...of the gluten-free kind of course!

Leaving all of you with some pretty eye candy inspired by my birthday month.

Happy Friday, Ya'll! Enjoy weekendin' for THREE days!!!



Paper Decor I My Favorite Indian Ice-Cream I Fireworks I A Sweet Reminder This Month

proven wrong

I will come out and say it. I was one. hot. mess. I mean, it really was not a pretty picture, friends. We had been married only one month. One. Month. As in we were still newlyweds and only saw china plates, candlelit dinners and kisses. True story. We did not expect it, but something happened that caused our newlywed world to come crashing down like a tidal wave. Hard, fast and well...quite frightening. We were left broken, frustrated, scared, worried and most of all angry. (Ok, the angry part was me; Bryan does not get angry.) Questions like why us and how could this happen floated through the air daily. Yet, it was life changing. In every way possible.

A year has passed from that time in our newlywed life. I look back and think how we have grown. Separately and together. Personally and professionally. When 2011 rolled around, I remember whispering to Bryan at midnight on New Year's Eve, this is our year. This one is going to be a good one. I even remember his smile. And, here is the real kicker. We had no plans for this year. None. Not even one. And, this my friends, goes down in the books as a big moment. Because I am a planner. Always have been. But, this year, I decided to change. I decided to pray. I decided to lean on God for once. Because I knew, in the end, whatever I was set out to be doing, He would help me get there.

So, here is a personal thank you to the big man upstairs. I am so happy He proved me wrong with my "two kids, living in a nice home and being an engineer by 26" dream a few years back. Because this dream I am living, well this dream is so. much. better. And, I could not be more grateful.



A sweet little reminder in life.

oh happy friday no. 082611

This week has fired me up. In good ways. I don't know what has come over me, but I am inspired. To. Make. Changes. Big changes. My head is spinning a million miles per hour right now. And, my heart is simply full.

Right before Fall kicks in is when I like to re-evaluate. I have no idea why I do it at this time of the year. I mean, it is not like I have a million other things going on during this season. But, something about the leaves changing, sweaters and boots coming back into the picture, cups of orange-spiced tea and warm chili and enjoying fun festivities and traditions take over me. I start to think about how I want to grow. Personally and professionally. Because, I by no means have life figured out quite yet. I'm still learning through this journey that God has put me on, and I am so so so thankful. And, since this here blog serves to be my digital scrapbook and journal of not only my photography but my journey in life, I could not think of a better place to write down some goals I have for the rest of 2011.

Personally:

* spend at least an hour EVERY evening with Bryan without my Macbook, iPhone or my work (I am ashamed to admit this. He truly is one in a million for being so patient, supportive and letting me live out my dreams.)
* learn to balance life better (more on this soon)
* attend one hot yoga class a week (easier than it sounds but MUCH needed!)
* spend 20 minutes reading words from my favorite interior designer and philospher, Alexandra Stoddard, each night before going to bed
* have all arangements made with our travel agent for our 2 year anniversary trip
* visit the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum and the World War II Museum in KC
* do one thoughtful thing a week for B
* go on a picnic in the fall when the leaves have changed color
* make more time for good friends!
* be more giving of my time to others
* show mum and dad the sights of the "city of fountains"
* be more positive!
* Skype Shalin once a week
* learn to not let fear and nerves get the best of me and trust that everything happens for a reason

Professionally:

* network with more photographers and creative professionals in Kansas City and across the country
* brainstorm and begin my "rebranding" project
* get a new website and blog
* purchase the 50 mm f/1.2
* purchase a Kelly Moore bag before our traveling adventures
* go beyond my comfort zone with location choices (anyone up for a vintage car engagement session or in a field?!)
* live out the "work hard, play hard" motto better!
* reach out and help other aspiring photographers to grow and follow their hearts
* blog more! (it's a working progress)
* attend more photography events/workshops to further myself as a creative individual
* start telling stories through my photographs

Wow, I feel a lot less lighter after writing all of those lovely goals! I'll leave all of you with a little something that to reminds me that although my head might be spinning, I need to enjoy the "now" moments. This weekend fills me with nothing but excitement because we get to see my little brother. We have missed him SO much! And, we are in MUCH need of family time, my mum's homestyle meals and soaking in those "now" moments. Happy Weekending, friends!



Keep Calm I Pretty Packaging I Live I Tom Toms

oh happy friday no. 081911

Friends, this whole redecorating thing has been quite the...experience. Let's start with the fact that I have moved TWO couches down a flight of stairs, which was quite the sight to see. Seriously, someone should have videotaped it. It didn't help that while moving it down the stairs, Bryan kept yelling "PIVOT" in Ross's voice (insert a Friends reference!). It took everything in my power to not drop the couch while we would play that whole scene out and laugh.

That is how I would describe this. An experience. When we came up with our vision, we figured a changing out of a couch, adding a chair here and hanging some frames on the wall would do the trick. One thing led to another and before we knew it, we were holding hands and standing in front of the never ending wall of paintings and prints at Bed Bath & Beyond trying to find something that screamed "us." Well as fate would have it, there it hung. The canvas print we were searching for weeks. The kind of print that made me read it over and over again only to leave a bigger smile than the time before.

It dawned on me a few moments later that it was exactly a year ago that we stood in the same place as newlyweds purchasing items that would be placed in our newlywed home. We were in such a different place in our lives. And, I could not be more grateful for the life we are living right now. If I could go back in time, I would tell our newlywed selves to be patient, live in the moment and do not worry so much about the future because it never works out the way you planned. It works out better than you imagined...if you let go.

As Bryan and I read this print over and over again in front of the sea of canvases, it took an exchange of smiles to know that this would be the perfect thing to grace our home and remind us to live life to the fullest! Everyday.

say something silly
laugh till it hurts
take a risk
tell a secret
sing out loud
rock the boat
shake things up
flirt with disaster
buy something frivolous
color outside the lines
cause a scene
order desert
make waves
get carried away
HAVE A GREAT DAY!

oh happy friday no. 080511

Is it really August already? I can't believe August is already here and going! The Lindsey household is staying quite busy these days between work, photography (have some newly-inspired blog series that I will be starting soon!), fun projects and other tid bits. I had this bright idea about two weeks ago to start redecorating. As in our entire home. I know what my friends are thinking right about now. You are crazy. And, I would totally climb on board with them and say, why yes, yes I am. Because between the endless to-do lists we have everyday, it sounds absolutely brilliant to add another little project on our plate. But, those crazy ideas have proved to have some interesting outcomes needless to say. Like the time I decided out of the blue to start into photography. I like to use this example as my only good case in point to defend my crazy ideas to Bryan.

Anyways, last weekend started our official kickoff to "Glamify Our Home...Lindsey style." Nothing major. Just some adding of furniture and decorations and...engagement/wedding photos. Friends, you read right. I think I heard a gasp from some of my blog readers. Or our mums. Yes, I know, a year and then some, and we have not put up photos from our engagement or wedding. Have no fear, this is changing. I owe a major thank you to Bryan who hammered nails, hung shelves, rehung shelves and used his ever so creative brain to come with a vision that screams Bryan and Shefy! (How did I find him?!) I cannot wait to share photos once it is finished. I will leave your weekend loving hearts with a little glimpse of the inspiration we are using. Think bright, bold colors meet Anthropologie. Just saying this makes me squeal.



Disney Princess I Fairytale Bouquet I Creative Balloon Guestbook I To Be a Kid

Happy Friday, Ya'll!

oh happy friday no. 072911

I have two words for this weekend: celebration and relaxation. They go together like cupcakes and icing. Gluten-free cupcakes if we are being specific. The month of July has been nothing short of craziness. The good kind of craziness consisting of weekend trips home to see our mamas, a county fair, small and big accomplishments, a dinner party, late nights and some sweet moments shared with the people we love. So, in true Lindsey form, we are celebrating some BIG summer accomplishments with a trip to our favorite small town aka Weston, my boys Kenny, Zac Brown Band, Billy and Uncle Kracker, reading and wining, staying cool from the Midwest heat wave and maybe a little couch snuggling with my cute husband. Excited doesn't begin to cover my feelings toward this weekend.

With summer at its peak right now, I couldn't help but post a little inspiration that makes my summer loving heart smile right about now.



Flowery Goodness I Apron Happiness I Dreamy Packaging I Paper Eye Candy

Now, only if the lovely Mother Nature could cut us a break with this heat...

Happy Friday!

oh happy friday no. 071511

Christmas in July. It's a lovely little time. And, it does exist. At least in the Lindsey home. You see, my sweet husband is obsessed with all things country. Cowboy boots, BIG trucks, fast cars, tractor pulls, farms, acres upon acres of land and seeing the stars in a wide-open sky. Every July, his hometown goes all out by putting on one amazing county fair. I'm talking tractor pulls, demolition derby, carnival rides, country artists and the whole nine yards. And, this, ladies and gentlemen is where Christmas in July comes in. Because, every year that we head back home for the county fair, Bryan looks like a five year old boy on Christmas morning! Every year. And, I would be lying if I said I weren't that five year old girl standing right next to him, but I am. After my first year of being taken to the fair, I was IN LOVE. With cowgirl boots, demolition derbies, country music and that small town love.

So, off we go for a little country fun. To celebrate July and county fair season, a little inspiration that makes my wannabe country heart smile.

Happy Friday!



Restoration Inspired I Barn Wedding I Owl Thank Yous I Rustic Outdoors I Pink Cowgirl Boots

oh happy friday no. 070811

It's Friday. And, it is sunny and hot. But, not humid, Midwest, your-clothes-stick-to-you kind of hot. Just another pretty, summer day. And, what am I doing you might ask. Sitting on my couch resting. And praying that this new found nausea and headache disappears quickly. Because I have a sweet little weekend planned full of photographing, shopping with some of my best gals, baby playing with my favorite little guy, board gaming, wining & dining, date dayin' with my main squeeze, volunteering and reading a new book, Gluten Free Girl. Go figure the first free Friday I have where we are not traveling out of town, and I wind up feeling sick. However, I am a firm believer that fun, bright pictures that inspire me will kick these not so nice enemies of mine, nausea and headache, to the curb. Enjoy a little sunny inspiration from my computer to yours!

Happy Weekending!



Office Swoon I Ice-cream Goodness I Afternoon Tea I 1960s Fashion

oh happy friday no. 062411

Sunny, blue skies that last until 9:00 at NIGHT and sipping on strawberry lemonade? Why yes, I would have to say summer has officially arrived! And, I welcome it with open arms! And, while I am celebrating all that summer has to offer with its relaxing poolside, bbqs, lake trips, watching sunsets and eating snowcones, I thought it would be fitting for some fun, summer inspiration that makes me smile!

Happy Summer Lovin' and Weekending!



Tasty Cream Cheese Cupcakes I Beautiful Bicylce I Kiss Illustration I Vintage Wedding Invitations

oh happy friday no. 051311

So, I am pretty sure I got it from my mum. I used to laugh and tell her she was weird for thinking that way. But here I am already adapting her superstitious beliefs. Well, it took me all but five minutes to realize while I was on my way to work that today was Friday the 13th. Today! Let make it clear. I LOVE Halloween a LOT as in I LOVE the candy, wearing costumes and Halloween parties not to mention the gorgeous fall weather. However, I do NOT love anything that makes my heart race with fear. And, I am definitely not a fan of scary movies. I absolutely hate them. (My mum always said not to use the word “hate” unless I mean it, so yes, I used “hate” and yes, I mean it!) I am not quite sure what this tangent about Friday the 13th is about except that I hope nothing spooky or scary happens today.

On a different, much happier note, Bryan and I are heading way down south in good ol’ Missouri for one of my best gals's older sister's wedding tomorrow! We are stoked and ready to put our creative brains into action. Together! So, in honor of a fun wedding weekend, I have put together some very fun inspirational wedding-y photos I found through a favorite wedding blog of mine, Snippet and Ink. The one with the little boy is one of my absolute favorite photos of all time. One word: ADORABLE!!!



Very "Shefy" Shoes I A Creative Photo I "Applause" I Too Cute For Words I Swept Away I Vintage Beauty

Happy Not-So-Spooky Friday!

oh happy friday no. 050611

Oh this week has been insane. Insane, I tell you. From being in gorgeous, gorgeous Cali to a visit from my little brother to catching up on all kinds of sleep, it has been...well, insane. And, I am very much looking forward to a slow, relaxing weekend! Accompanied with some good books, movies and DVRed tv shows, photography sessions, editing, volunteering and celebrating mum’s day over the phone with our mothers! It’s the perfect balance of busy. And, I kind of love it.

Today’s inspiration comes from all things that remind me of Mother's Day. So, without further ado, a Friday filled with a vintage-y, very chocolate-y, very pink and oh my paper goodness!



Paper Goodness I Nutella Scrumptious I Vintage Cameras I Pink Fun

Look forward to Monday as I will be sharing some fun pictures of our 1 year anniversary trip to Cali and how I spent the last 24 hours of the trip convincing sweet, sweet hubby to be an engineer for vineyards.

Happy Weekending!

oh happy thursday no. 042811

Oh my! How has this week already flown by? It has been one VERY busy, VERY eventful week! And, about to get even more exciting! Why you ask? Because sweet, sweet hubby and I are celebrating (almost) one year of a blissful marriage with a trip to good ol' Cali. The best part. We leave today. Today, people! Hence the "thursday" instead of "friday" in the title of this post. Because, let's be honest. If sweet hubby saw me blogging on our vacation, I would definitely get the stink eye. And, I would like to avoid that at all cost, so today's blog is inspired by all things love, serenity and you guessed it, color!



Antique Deliciousness I Inspiring Print I Adorable Planner I Fairytale Necklace

Stay tuned for next week as there will be some vacay sneak peaks, some gorgeous mamas-to-be and as always delicious eye candy! As for me, I am going to soak up some quality time celebrating new beginnings and (almost) one year of saying "i do" with my better half in beautiful California! If I'm lucky, I can convince Bryan to buy a vineyard, open a winery and settle in Napa. Hey, a gal can dream, right?!

Happy weekendin' to all!

oh happy friday no. 042211

Easter weekend is one of my favorite kind of weekends. One of the many reasons is the Cadbury chocolate eggs. And a LOT of family time. And, I would be in the wrong if I didn't mention the fun, bright colors of Spring! So, today's inspiration comes with lots and LOTS of colors and yummy designs in all different forms.

Sunny Yellow Dress I Retro Kitchen I Pear and Bleu Cheese I Yummy Print

Excuse me while I "try" to stop drooling over the Pear and Bleu Cheese deliciousness and celebrate Easter weekend with chocolate, a family BBQ, some nieces and nephew lovin', prayers, maternity sessions for two gals I love oh so much and a lot of family time.

Happy Friday and Easter weekend!

oh happy friday no. 041511

Somewhere in between my drive home and vacuuming today, I realized that I wanted to change some things about this said here blog of mine (notice the face lift she got). If I think about where photography evolved from for me, it was for my love of art. All things art and design that is. Fashion. Home decor. Stationary. Books. Photography. And, since this is my blog, I decided it wouldn't hurt anyone to share some fun forms of art that continue to inspire me. Through fashion. Home decor. Stationary. Books. Photography. So without further ado, here are just some things that make me shout from the rooftop "Oh Happy Friday!"



Dress I Book I Teacup

(Don't even get me started on the dress. My two great loves mixed into one piece: Anthropologie and color. Sigh.)

This weekend will be filled with no photo sessions (although sad, very happy to enjoy a weekend off!!!), a celebration in honor of best friends, kite flying, movies & naps, volunteering, prayers, ice-cream and Lulu's, a boutique, in which I have been longing to visit in beautiful Kansas City.

Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to start planning on how to convince my sweet hubby that I need said dress above. Happy Weekending, Ya'll! (That's right, I just said ya'll.)