Monthly Archives: February 2012

DIY Dreaming: Striped Serving Tray

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Erica Wodzak| 1 Comment

Although I’m fairly competent in the DIY department, there are so many things I want to make myself these days that I’d just never find the time. Admittedly, Pinterest hasn’t helped that one bit. But when I do have the time, I’m absolutely planning to re-create this amazing DIY serving tray, featured on The Glitter Guide, and originally made by Stacy from Hello Cupcake.

I love that, if done right (which is key–lining up those tape pieces is going to take a whole lot of patience), this is such an inexpensive and adorable project that totally looks store-bought. I love it in blue, but I think I might try it in mint or a forest green, just because I’m a big lover of all things green. I also happen to be in love with the whole idea of chevrons lately, so if things pan out nicely, I may just attempt to DIY a whole lot more than serving trays. Photo frames? Hanging canvases? Business cards? Somebody help me, this girl needs a chevron intervention.

For instructions on how to do it yourself, make sure you check out the directions here!

Filed under Home Life, Inspiration

An Intermission

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Erica Wodzak| 6 Comments

As you may have noticed, my little bit of the web has been quiet in the last few days. I want to assure you that no, I did not give up on things, but I have had a bit of an increase in activity in my real life (as opposed to my online one). I have many friends and family that are coming to visit me on the west coast in the coming week and a half, and because this doesn’t happen very often, I want to be able to devote all non-day-job hours strictly to them. What’s more, since I’m taking a few days off work (and my work-days are generally my posting days), it would make maintaining a posting schedule just that much harder.

So in short, although my blog is very important to me, it’s also very important to me that I’m able to prioritize the many commitments I have in my life. And when something special comes up, like your whole entire family coming out for a long and relaxing visit!, I think it’s fair to call for a break. I’ll still be floating around the web, reading articles and posts here and there, but you likely won’t hear from me until February 27th. I’m on vacation!

image via 1

Filed under Here + There

Photo Inspo

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Erica Wodzak| Leave a comment

{i'm completely obsessed with the intentional disarray in this photo}

Long before I got my new Canon camera, I knew I didn’t really need another hobby. I’ve got plenty of things to keep me busy, but I just couldn’t say no to something that looked like so much fun to do, and that also had such a great payoff for others whose memories and little life moments are captured in the photos. Sure, I’ve got lots of amazing memories from some of the things I’ve done so far in my life, but I enjoy it so much more when I can come home and show my friends and family what I did in vivid colour and high resolution. Well, that and the fact that I kind of miss having something to study and learn–after six years of university, it’s second nature!

{monochromatic reds give this photo an elegant and sophisticated vibe}

Along with trying to snap photos of everything I can, I’ve been trying to see the beauty in some of the things I’ve been walking past in this city for the past six and a half years, and never paid attention to. The funny thing is, there are a lot of those things. But definitely what I’m loving most so far are the photos of my friends and family (and my little pup!) that surprise me by turning out so beautifully, which will ensure that I remember in great detail the things that were going on when the photo was snapped.

And since everything is always a work in progress with me, I’m always looking elsewhere for inspiration. I’ve become an avid blog reader as of late, but am trying to extend my blog genres into the realm of photography. It’s these places, and the people who take their own photos, who act to inspire me, and to really make me study their work and try to mimic some of the things I like in my own photography. Maybe it’s the way the light hits a pasta dish, or maybe it’s the brightly coloured elements that make up the photo. I’m constantly learning (and trying out) what works in a photo, what makes a great prop, what lighting highlights your subject best, and it’s all because of the amazing things I’m finding all over the world wide web. So today, I’ve collected a few of my most recent favourites for you, and hopefully they might help you find the beauty in your own day-to-day too.