sunday inspirations

I may say I want to study Interior Design or Nutrition or anything else in college, but it will always be my dream to be a children's book illustrator.
Today I read the cutest newspaper article about a children's book illustrator and it really reminded me of just how much I would love to do this! Children's books have always brought me joy and I love kids and I LOVE drawing. I'm always drawing new little characters. I seriously could go to a library and spend the whole afternoon in the kids section. I don't think I could be a writer though, if only someone could write me a book to illustrate! So for now, I'm just looking at illustrators' web sites and becoming inspired to draw my own pictures! So if you're anything like me and can be brightened up by a few sweet children's book pictures, here are some of my favorites..

oh, the joys of vintage

What a wonderful day! After a difficult morning of ACT test-taking and a warm mid-morning nap, I went with my mom to do something we love to do as much as possible--VINTAGE SHOPPING! We hit up our favorite vintage markets, one around 81st & Lee Blvd. and Dharma Gallery off of Westport Road. These two shops have mostly home things but still charming as ever. I like to go and find an occasional jewelry treasure or even a lucky dress find! (a couple weeks ago at Dharma Gallery I found the most adorable 50s brownish floral dress, perfect for twirling.) Today, not as much luck, but I still had so much fun!
After exploring those shops, we couldn't help but make a stop at my all-time favorite store, Donna's Dress Shop.. I spend WAY too much money there! Right now, they are fully stocked with the most enchanting vintage dresses, it's pretty overwhelming! I tried on lots of dresses, but really didn't fall in love with any of them, except for one.. an adorable light blue plaid dress from the 60s with the original tags still attached! It was in such good condition I thought it was a new dress made to look vintage, but it's the real deal! It had a collar, big buttons, a little tie at the waist and fit perfectly.. right now I'm wondering why I didn't just buy it! But for some reason my mom was a little hesitant and wanted me to think about it, then she asked Donna the store owner how late they were open tomorrow.. so just maybe it will magically appear under the Christmas tree! ;)
Oh, how I wish I had a picture of that beauty, and hopefully it will be there next time I go! For now, I posted some pictures of the dresses there I would be so tempted to just buy, but end up not having any occasions to wear them. If you have never been to Donna's Dress Shop, you must go as soon as possible! It's located on 39th Street just north of Westport and just east of KU Med. In fact, here's the address: 1410 W 39 Street Kansas City, MO, 64111. Go, you won't be disappointed!

(photos courtesy of the Donna's Dress Shop facebook page)

christmastime

Anyone who knows me knows that I ADORE Sufjan Stevens! It's a little embarrassing, really. Especially after seeing him in concert in October, I probably talk about him and his music a little too much. I just can't get enough of his beautiful folk music! ...And don't even get me started about his newest album!
Anyway, today after school I couldn't help but buy his 4 disc Christmas collection from iTunes (and maybe I bought his Seven Swans album, too.. now I'm just one album short of having all of his music!). The second it was downloaded and onto my ipod, I've been soaking up all of his Christmasy-wonderfulness. His Christmas music is GOOD! With his own personal spin on the classics and with new Christmas songs that he wrote, these 42 songs were worth the $16! (I'm currently listening to "Come On! Let's Boogey to the Elf Dance!"--adorable!) ...And yes, you read correctly, forty-two songs!
And while I'm on the topic of Christmas music, I'll go ahead and talk about my other favorite band, Coldplay. They came out with a new Christmas song today! When I heard they were, I was SO excited! But when I listened to the song today, I was disappointed! It's called "Christmas Lights" and it feels a little too forced. A little bit cheesy! Maybe I'll just need to listen to it again.. Either way, if they're coming out with a new album soon it better not reflect the quality of their Christmas song!
See for yourself...