{Prop Stylist}

"What fascinates me about personal style is that we can all share what we love yet no two people’s individual aesthetics are alike. It’s amazing that everyone draws inspiration from such a broad spectrum of sources mixed with personal experience that adds nuance. Sharing something that will delight someone else is what drives me as an image-maker."

 {photos via A Little Sussy}

The above quote from prop stylist Randi Brookman Harris from her interview found here is exactly how I feel about styling (and art and beauty) That passion to share what you love is such a great motivator. I have recently found that prop styling is actually a career! And I couldn't be any more thrilled. I have always loved design and art and this job brings those two things together. Having an eye for symmetry, composition, texture, and balance doesn't always come easily to everyone so art directors and photographers rely on prop stylists to help them out. This would be a dream job! 

I plan on hopefully being able to intern with an event planner here to gain some knowledge of the industry and learn the ropes. Recently I've had some creative freedom with the beauty shoots I worked on. It's so fun to be able to  source and shop for backdrops, props, and food for our shoots. I discovered something that I have always naturally gravitated towards but wasn't sure was an actual career option.

{These are just a few of the types of things I'd like to style}

 

Prop styling I feel , is on a different scale, you work alongside other contributors and on varying shoots from fashion to food photography. You work as part of a team, gathering ideas and inspiration from the mood and story of the shoot. I love that. Here is another interview {via A little Sussy} of prop stylist Kendra Smoot that I learned a lot from as well. 

{As Timeless as Tiffany's}

It's here! 

The new issue of Nonpareil Magazine includes my beauty article "As Timeless as Tiffany's" based on my favorite movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's. The article is a how-to for bridal makeup and hair styling inspired by the glamorous Holly Golightly.  I'm so proud of this shoot and the finished look. I've been an adoring long-time Audrey Hepburn fan and to finally see my take on her style and beauty come to life is a dream come true. 

Coming up with the concept, designing it and then styling it were so much fun, especially because I got to work with some amazing girls. Thanks Brittany, Hayley, and Chelsey for helping me make my little dream come true! Nonpareil is a lovely DIY craft magazine for brides and designers. This issue, their fourth, is themed after the silver screen and includes articles based on films {some of my very favorites I must say} including Marie Antoinette, Amelie, To Catch a Thief, and Chocolat. It's full of delicious eye candy! And super cute how-to's. If you don't already read it, you must. It's free. Look for more pictures from this shoot soon on my beauty blog, MyHeartistry.

{Oh, so cute: Summer Pastels}

I'm loving all of the vibrant pastel colors for nail lacquer and makeup this summer.  I have a weakness for anything inspired by candy and pastries.  Just purchased Re-Fresh Mint from China Glaze's Summer collection Up & Away {I'm seriously in love with all the colors in this collection} I love the creamy mint color. Also check out, Orly's Sweet Collection complete with mini matching lip gloss.

{Recipe: Arroz con Leche}

For Father's day my father-in-law requested my arroz con leche. So Arroz con Leche I made. It's a Mexican rice pudding, although I don't really know where it originated from. I know a lot of Latin countries make their own version of it. It'll fill your home with the lovely scent of cinnamon and vanilla. If you've never had this before, you're going to love it especially because it's easy to make too. You can have it hot or cold, either way is delicious. Here's my easy recipe for it. 

Enjoy!

You'll need:

7 c. water (5 c. for thicker consistency)

2 c. long-grain rice

2 c. whole or low-fat milk

1- 14oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

1- 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1 Tblsp pure vanilla extract

1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise -scraped

2 canela sticks (cinnamon sticks) or 1 tbl. ground cinnamon (or both if you love cinnamon like me)

3 cloves or a small pinch of ground cloves

1/2 c. raisins (optional) 
Cinnamon and sugar and/or nutmeg for dusting

-Put water and rice in a heavy saucepan (if using whole cloves and cinnamon sticks, add now) bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring constantly, or until most of the water has evaporated and it's slightly thickened. 

-Add all of the milks, stirring constantly. Add the rest of the ingredients, including raisins (if using). 
*When using ground cinnamon add it slowly while stirring to avoid clumps.

-Keep at medium heat and cook for another 20 minutes or until rice is tender and desired consistency is achieved. Remove from heat to cool at room temperature, then if desired, put in fridge to cool the rest of the way. 
*The most important step is to stir constantly to avoid scorching!

*The rice pudding will set as it cools, it will get thicker. Remove cinnamon sticks and cloves before serving. I like to serve with a light dusting of cinnamon and sugar and/or nutmeg.

{The perfect messy bun}

The messy-yet-chic bun is one of my favorite hair trends. This look is combination relaxed California girl beach style with chic Parisienne. It's perfect for those hot and muggy summer days. This style is great for every day at work or out on a date, just dress it up with a pretty clip or headband. Try this today it'll become your new go-to 'do!

{via ExperienceParisienne}

{The Paris Sneaker}

{photo via Madewell}

The Bensimon canvas sneaker is to Paris as the Converse is to the States. These comfy canvas  sneakers have been around since the 70's and have been seen on celebrities and Parisiennes alike. All the lovely stylish girls wear them there. I think they're just lovely! Get them here.

{Oh, so lovely: Retro Swimwear}

{1. Madewell 2. Anthropologie 3. Alloy} 4. Urban Outfitters

These suits are my favorite one pieces for the season. Black is always a good choice and the cuts are so flattering. They range in price which is nice for girls on a budget, like me. I'm loving the Anthropologie suit! Add some jingle with a wrist full of bangles and cover up with a sheer cardigan...You'll feel like a doll this Summer for sure!

{Bangles & Cardigan: Forever21}

{Oh, so cute: Colorful garlands}

{This Neck of the Woods @ Etsy}

I want to make my own cute garland like the ones pictured here. They can be used for special occasions or just add a little life to a room. This one's my favorite...

{Oh, so lovely: Ikea}

Everyone in the blog world is raving about the new direction that Ikea has taken for it's new catalog and I couldn't agree more! I love the styling {found here} and photography for their new look. I think it caters to a lot more people, especially those of us that aren't huge modernist fans. Seriously, how many bright red slip covers and abstract furniture can you possibly cram into your place? This is a new direction; cozy, inviting and sopisticated. I love Ikea.

{Oh, so darling: Dangle Earrings}

{Momochas on Etsy}

How darling are these earrings? These can fancy up jeans and a t-shirt any day.

{Oh, so cute: Cupcake Stands}

Such a cute idea. 

Buy them here at Hello Hanna.

{Oh, so sweet: Peach Cupcakes}

It's crazy how much I love a deliciously ripe, fragrant summer peach...or 5. I seriously could eat them all day long, all Summer long. So I was thrilled when I stumbled upon this delicious peach cupcake recipe at Smitten Kitchen. You just have to make these! They're like mini peach cobblers topped with an amazing brown sugar cream cheese frosting {that I and the rest of my family fell in love with} I'll spare you and won't even tell you how many I ate. The recipe makes 2 dozen plump cupcakes, enough to share with friends and neighbors.

P.S: In case you don't have cake flour for this recipe you can substitute all-purpose flour by using the following equivalent. For every 1 cup cake flour you need use 1 cup minus 2 Tbl sifted all-purpose flour.

{Not-So-Mellow Yellow}

1-5: {Design Is Mine} 6: {Stemellina on Etsy} 7-8: Unknown

I'm not really a yellow loving person but lately I have to say that I've been eyeing it. I love it, whether it's bright sunshine yellow, a warm shade of mustard, or an inviting marigold. It's Oh, so charming!

DIY: Tea Party Ideas

 

I'm in the mood for a lovely tea party! A DIY Tea Party. I found some cute ideas that would be fun to do or make at a tea party, like Martha Stewart's idea for making your own teacup candles! Super cute. 

Or making your own mini donuts, awesome invention. I want one!

Oh, you could also gather a bunch of wild flowers and create your own floral arrangement in teacups, this is great if you want to have your party outdoors.

But the cutest thing I found was this Tea Cupcakes Mold set, you bake the cupcake right in these silicone teacup molds and they're ready to be decorated and served! Create a buffet of colorful sprinkles and frosting and have at it.

Yum!

Hope these fun ideas help in case you're having friends over for a DIY tea party!

 

♥ ♥ ♥

XOXO

{Lovely: Plate Wall}

{photos link to their source}

{Vintage Color}

I ♥ color-coordinating.

{Forever Is Today via: Seesaw}