Just Pretty Things

Over the last few years I've come to realize that I have a very special relationship with the sun. For me, it is a serious source of inspiration. I'm not sure what it is about the sun, but I get very inspired by a lot of things related to it. Sunlight streaming through windows, dust dancing in sunlight, sunbeams on walls, the golden glow of the sun during 'magic hour'.. all of it just feels so good to experience. I constantly find myself noticing the sunlight coming in through our sliding doors and staring at it for awhile. It's just so pretty to me. It feels so warm and inviting and comforting.

As science explains, sunlight also raises serotonin levels, thus improving our mood. Sometimes I wonder if my subconscious helps me to enjoy the sun because it knows it increases my mood. Whatever the reason, I've realized that sunlight is one thing I know I'll always love and always find beauty in. It's so simple, yet it can do so much for me. I'm very thankful for that.

via The Lane

via Planet Blue

via Amélie's Little Secrets

Just Pretty Things is a weekly column where I share inspiring, eye-catching, and just plain pretty photographs. You can check out previous posts here!

Just Pretty Things

So.... oops. I haven't posted anything for this column in two weeks! I don't know what happened last week, but after my zoo post, I kind of dropped off the planet. I think I'm finding more as I get into blogging that it's something I like to do, but it's not something especially important to me so much that I am good at keeping up on it. I have my moments where I'm super motivated and inspired and post every day that I'm supposed to. However, there are some days and weeks that I just don't feel like it. I'm sorry for my lack of motivation in the blogging department. Like I said, I really do like it, but I don't always love it. Anyway, I'm here today and I've got some lovely photos for you to enjoy.

This past week has been good for me. I started babysitting my niece this week and today I've got the day off, but I definitely still have a lot on my to-do list. Nicholas left this morning for North Manitou Island to get away and go backpacking by himself for a few days to read and relax among nature. I went backpacking with him last summer on the island and it was wonderful. Challenging, but wonderful. I'm actually a little bit jealous he got to go without me. I'm also a little bit sad because I'll have zero contact with him for a few days. Which yeah, no big deal, but kind of a big deal, ya know? I just love him so much and like talking to him every day. I'm sure some of you can relate. :) Anyway, I better get started on my to-do list! Enjoy today's pretty things.

 This looks so relaxing. I miss kayaking, and I've only done it once!  (via)

Beautiful sunlight (via Leslie Kirchhoff) 

 Such a pretty and simple cake (via)

I just want to buy an old RV, renovate/decorate it, and adventure with Nicholas. One day we will. (via)

Just Pretty Things is a weekly column where I share inspiring, eye-catching, and just plain pretty photographs. You can check out previous posts here!

Just Pretty Things

Hello everyone! It's been a minute since I've been on here. First of all, sorry for the amount of slacking I did last week. I didn't post your Friday links or Saturday hand lettering! I don't have any excuse except for that it was my first week back home, finally, and I didn't really want to do anything except for enjoy being home. And after being in a place that wasn't home for 8 months, I'm sure you can understand my reasoning. ;)

A couple things have happened since I last posted. First of all, we finally got to book our venue for our wedding and have a wedding date set! August 9, 2014... here we come! :) I cannot wait. I'm so glad that we finally got to book the venue and we can really get started on making plans. I also found a photographer whose work I really like that is in a very reasonable price range, and I'll hopefully be meeting with her soon so we can book her as well! It was so refreshing to find someone who does lovely work who doesn't expect an arm and a leg for payment. I understand that creative fields should yield higher pay rates sometimes, especially more than they're used to, but still... it was disheartening to constantly look for a photographer who had work that fit my style only to find out they wanted thousands and thousands of dollars that we just don't have. So fingers crossed this works out!

Also, I'm happy to announce that I am an aunt to a new baby boy! My sister gave birth to him yesterday morning and I got to meet him last night. He was so sweet and so sleepy. It was nice to be able to see my sister and brother-in-law also for the first time since being home, and my new nephew was also a lovely little present.

Without further ado, here are this week's pretty picks. I hope you find some inspiration amongst them. :)

I love the black walls in this room. Totally doing this one day. (via Design*Sponge)

This bedding looks soo cozy. (via The Design Chaser)

I love this limited palette artwork! So pretty. (via Vikachu)

Makes me want to go swimming and enjoy the great outdoors.

(If you know the original source, please let me know!)

Just Pretty Things is a weekly column where I share inspiring, eye-catching, and just plain pretty photographs. You can check out previous posts here!

Just Pretty Things

Hey everyone! So I'm back home... finally. It was a very long trip back with some tired eyes and crankiness but we made it safely and happily. It feels so good to be back. We are both so happy to be back in Grand Rapids for good. This is our home, and forever will be. We got in Sunday morning and just spent the day relaxing, napping, and hanging out with family. We've been hanging out these last couple days enjoying our time and getting back into the swing of things here. This morning I watched my adorable niece for a little bit, and I have plans with some friends tonight. It's shaping up to be a good day.

Now here are some very pretty things I've found recently. Enjoy. ♡

Beautiful black and white kitchen (via)  

Pretty gold tray by Up In The Air Somewhere

Awesome type (via)

Pretty pink crystals (via) 

(if you know the (actual) original source, please let me know!)

Just Pretty Things is a weekly column where I share inspiring, eye-catching, and just plain pretty photographs. You can check out previous posts here!

Just Pretty Things

Hi everyone. I hope you're having a good Wednesday. I haven't done much of anything today, at all... oops. And I should definitely be packing more because we leave in two days! I can't believe it. It honestly feels so weird, but I can't wait to be home. Tonight, Nicholas, his friend Justin, and I are gonna hang out, get some pizza, and eat some yummy peach dump cake to celebrate Justin's birthday. Tomorrow I'll be hanging out here, definitely packing more and probably cleaning too. I'm sure tomorrow is going to be a long day. Well, without further ado, here are this week's pretty picks. :)

Beautiful crystal photography by LupenGrainne

Can't wait to try this aged mercury glass candle holder DIY via A Beautiful Mess

Pretty glass jars (via)

Beautiful beach umbrellas via Kerry Cassill

Just Pretty Things is a weekly column where I share inspiring, eye-catching, and just plain pretty photographs. You can check out previous posts here!

Just Pretty Things

Hello! I hope your week is going well. Today I wanted to bring you a new weekly column that features photographs of things I find to be inspiring, interesting, or just plain pretty. If you know me, you know I say a lot that I just "love pretty things." This can mean many different things, including sunlight coming through windows, frosting on a cupcake, morning mist, pretty scenery, and the list goes on and on (seriously, it's a long list). I am a very visual person, and I really love to just look at things. I appreciate them for being more than just nice to look at, but sometimes I honestly want to do nothing but stare at something that captivates me and inspires me. So, every Wednesday you'll be introduced to a few pictures that have caught my attention in one way or another. I hope you enjoy my finds. :)

Such pretty colors, such pretty flowers.

(If you know the actual source of this photo, please let me know!)

Love type inspiration. This marquee is just way too cool.

via Sideshow Sign Co.

I've been really loving gold/metallics lately, which is funny, because I used to think they looked tacky. Now, when they're done right, they can look seriously beautiful.

via Oh, Hello Friend

I'm not really big into high fashion, but one thing I love to look at are designer gowns. They can be so beautifully crafted and eye-catching. Love this art deco inspired Versace gown. (via)

Just Pretty Things is a weekly column where I share inspiring, eye-catching, and just plain pretty photographs. You can check out previous posts here!