Wednesday's Inspiration: Photograph, Photograph, Photograph

Whenever I am photographing I always feel like I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. I feel challenged, inspired, yet, clam and at peace. It's a wonderful feeling. Lately, I have been allowing myself more time for photograph for myself, rather than "work related" shoots. I've found it to be exactly what the doctor ordered.

I've also been going back through my old photography books and trying to reconnect with a few of my favorite photographers for inspiration and encouragement. A few days ago I found this...

via Pintrest

and this...

via Pintrest

and both of these quotes resonated with me and my creative process. In my daily work, I spend so much time planning and preparing that I began to lose touch with the ability to just practice. I also concern myself with what my peers and clients think of my work and often let that disrupt my process. I am a big proponent of collaboration and critiquing, I believe those tools to be essential in making you a better artist, thinker and person... but keep in mind what's important to you, and don't lose sight of that.

I often have to remind myself to let go, and just gain experience by practicing what I love and owning it. I encourage you all to do the same, and let me know how it goes...

With that, I leave you with a few photos. I wish you all a very happy and inspirational Wednesday!

xx, Chelsea

Sweet Treats!

For the final installment of the bachelorette party posts I'd like to share some delicious dessert ideas; including Raspberry French Chocolate Macaroons, Almond Roca, chocolate covered strawberries, and vodka infused gummy bears (or drunken gummies). All of these tasty treats are simple and easy to make, and can even be enjoyed by your gluten free friends!

As a second party favor (first seen here), I purchased tiny boxes, stickers and cut parchment paper to make a "take-home" dessert for the guests to enjoy. Thanks to my friends, Alan (master pastry chef), Steven and Geoff, the "baking team" for helping me make these wonderfully delicious creations; a hit at any party!

Party Invites

In a previous post here, I explained how I created Wedding shower invitations for one of my dear friends. So, when it came time for the bachelorette party I was ready, and just as excited to produce some festive invites!

These invites were just as simple to create, using the same embossing technique, large hole punched circles, a decorative gold pen, and festive envelope liners. All of the materials I purchased can be found at Paper Source in stores or online (here).

For more on the party you can check out the party favors here and decoration ideas here, and I promise to post some of the delicious treats we consumed at the party soon!

Happy Friday, everyone!

xx, Chelsea

Succulent Surprise

This past weekend I helped host a bachelorette party for one of my dearest friends. One of my favorite parts of hosting parties is coming up with unique ideas and creative details for the guests to eat, enjoy and often take home. This time around I decided to create a party favor using the lucky jade plant, which is believed to increase health and good fortune when placed correctly in your home.

That being said I am not a plant person... I try, but I have killed every plant that has ever made its way into my home. However, when I heard that a leaf from the jade tree, some moist soil, a small amount of water every few weeks, and a little natural light is all you need to start a new jade tree, I figured I had to give it a shot.

In addition to being a great gift for your guests, these adorable little plants also make the perfect centerpiece for any occasion!

Here's what I used to make my cute creations:

• Containers from the container store, here
• Small branches cut from a larger jade tree (roots soaked in water for a few days before planting)
• Fresh, slightly damp soil
• small decorative rocks or pebbles 
• Paper, pen, toothpicks, glue stick
• electric drill
• spray paint

I wish you all health and prosperity! Happy, Thursday!

xx, Chelsea

Wisdom for your Wednesday

There's something so beautiful about the simplicity of an all black or all white ensemble; pure elegance.

via google

via google

via google

via google

via google

Welcome, Apartment Therapy!

I few months ago my friend and co-worker asked me if I'd be interested in featuring my apartment on Apartment Therapy; without any hesitation my answer was of course YES!

I have loved Apartment Therapy for years and always draw so much inspiration from this site. I am honored to be featured here! A big Thank you to the talented Lindsay Tella for the beautiful photos and kind words about my space.

Here are a few photos from the tour, which you can find here:

Trash to Treasure

A few weeks ago one of my friends was getting rid of this mirror and asked if I wanted it. At the time I wasn't sure exactly what to do with it, but my wheels started turning and my fingers started chanting "DIY,DIY!" I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to remake this mirror into something new.

I started by sanding and adding two fresh coats of paint, and then a little more sanding to get the desired vintage effect.

Next step was to measure, mark and hammer in the decorative nail heads

Lastly, find the perfect spot for your newly revamped mirror and enjoy!

San Franciscan

Tennessee Valley Trail

This past Sunday marked four years since I made the move from Madison, Wisconsin to San Francisco, California and it feels like an anniversary worth remembering.

The last four years have flown by. I’ve been up, I’ve been down, I’ve seriously considered packing up my things and heading east on the I-80 right back where I came from, several times. But, through it all one thing has remained true… Moving to California was one of the best life changes I’ve made thus far.

I remember vividly the day I signed my lease for my first apartment in Laurel Heights; it was a moment I know I’ll never forget. After I signed the papers I sat on the floor of the carpeted, 300 square foot space and shed a few tears of joy, pride and maybe slight fear for my unknown future. After which I walked down Sacramento Street with my new keys in hand and got some dinner, brought it back to my apartment and ate my first meal. I completely forgot that I didn’t have anywhere to sit, a plate or utensils to eat with, but I didn’t care, I was home and this was a fresh start.

A little over two months ago I began a serious love affair with the city of San Francisco and I haven’t looked back since. It feels similar to those first few days in the city after I moved here in 2008. I can't really pin point what brought on this sudden change, but I went from a girl who always thought the Midwest was her one true home, to a woman at peace with her surroundings and who is exactly where she is supposed to be. I guess it took four years for everything to click.

The first and second years in the city were definitely a honeymoon phase filled with new opportunities and exploration, but towards the end of the second year and all throughout the third I longed for my family and friends back home. Don’t get me wrong, I've had amazing adventures over the last four years, made lifelong friendships, and experienced things I could have never imagined.  However I always assumed that at some point I would return to my hometown. I can’t say that I'm sure it won’t happen because you never know what tomorrow will bring, just that for now I am content, happy and I’ve found a home here that fits just right.

Although I am still a Midwesterner at heart and always will be, I have a new found appreciation for San Francisco. We share strong bond, one that’s not as artificial as it once was. As difficult as it might be for me to say this, I’m not leaving anytime soon.

Cheers to you, San Francisco and our four years together.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures that I've taken on my explorations in and around the city. These are the places I like to call home.

Coastal Trail in San Francisco

Overlooking Tennessee Valley Beach

World War II Memorial @ Washington Blvd, San Francisco

View of Alcatraz in North Beach, San Francisco

Coastal Trail in San Francisco

View of the Golden Gate from Marin Headlands

Tennessee Valley Trail

Tennessee Valley Trail

An evening with the boys {SFGMC}

Two weeks ago I attended my second concert by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, and just like in December the performance exceeded my expectations. And who doesn't enjoy a fabulous evening out in the city, filled with song and oodles of good looking men?!

This particular performance was made especially great by feature guest, and renowned composer, Steven Schwartz. After hearing my very good friend Geoff reherse, "That's How You Know," from the movie Enchanted over and over again for months it was nice to finally put it into context. Even though I'll admit that I am musically incompetent, I feel that my lack of musical ability aids in a greater appreciation for others who can sing, perform and master the art of playing a musical instrument.

The concert was truly amazing and left me filled with emotion, inspiration and deeper love for my friends who pour their hearts into changing the world through song. One of the best moments of the evening, other than spending time with a few of my favorite people, was hearing the song "Testimony" written specifically for the SFGMC by Steven Schwartz. Derived from texts from the It Gets Better Project the song made its world premier that evening at Davies Symphony Hall.  It is difficult to express in words the power of this song, the impact it carries, and will hopefully have on people all over the world struggling to find themselves in an often unaccepting world. Patrons around me, parents, friends, and lovers grew misty eyed from the feelings that surfaced from hearing these sung words. It was an emotionally uplifting experience that will not be soon forgotten.

At that I will leave you with the song and hope that you will share as you see fit. If you find yourself in the Bay Area I encourage everyone to spend an evening with the SFGMC at their upcoming concert in June!

Happy Friday, everyone!

xx, Chelsea

Carefree Coral

Dress: Rag & Bone, Cardigan: J.Crew, Jewelry: Vintage, Heels: Elizabeth & James

I absolutely LOVE all of the fresh coral colors I am seeing around town for spring! The arrival of spring and the upcoming holiday always remind me of my childhood trips to Florida in the car for 16 hours with my family. Although I slept for a good portion of the time there were always fun memories from the drive.

One thing I remember very vividly was seeing the change in seasonal colors from the Midwest to the South. When we left there was usually snow on the ground and all the trees appeared to be lifeless and drab. Around Tennessee things would start to change, green would appear, and our wardrobe would change from pants and coats to shorts and t-shirts. It was an amazingly freeing feeling!

Whenever I see the colors transitioning from the winter season to spring in the stores downtown I get a nostalgic feeling bringing me back to those Florida trips. Although I won't be heading south for this Easter weekend, or seeing my family, I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with a few of my favorite people and, hopefully, enjoying some spring like weather. I may even enjoy it immersed in coral! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!

Cheers,
Chelsea