Looking Back

Zoo wee mama! I cannot believe tomorrow is May 1st. What the what?! Seriously, it's going to be Christmas before we even know it. Oh boy....... I had so much fun this month! A lot of really cool things happened and I'm super excited for May. Summer's gonna be here soooooon.

Here are the highlights from April:
I discovered the cutest little wedding theme ever [definitely taking some ideas from that one], shared some extra cute craft space inspiration, announced an exciting little end-of-summer adventure, told you some secret little details about myself, started a fun new home decor feature, shared my treasure hunt list, took you along on a fun girls date at Red Velvet, and opened myself up about a new, healthy lifestyle that I have begun. Wow! What a month!

I have a lot of pretty nifty things planned for next month. Here's a peek!

- I am planning on starting a few new art projects, mostly things I've never tried before and I'm very excited to share them with you!

- Cinco de Mayo! My family and I are planning an extremely cheesy mexican-themed party and I'll definitely be taking pictures.

- My sweet baby sister is turning 13! We're all still discussing details but I am sure it's going to be a wicked awesome day. :]

- Peeks of my new journal

- Fun summer DIYs and inspiration

- G i v e a w a y s

- Tips and tricks for creative and inexpensive organization!

- Healthy recipes and updates on how my adventure into healthiness is going

- Some exciting news about the rebranding and future of the Miss Indie Shop!

I don't know why, but at the end of every month I feel kind of stressed and super busy for a few days...and then I feel incredibly inspired the day before the new month begins. It's crazy, I know. I'm hoping it means I'm accomplishing a lot of small goals...because if I wasn't then I'd probably feel kind of bored instead of busy, right? Yes, okay, that's what I thought. *wink* What are some of your goals/plans for next month? 

XO, mandypants

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William + Kate

Today has been absolutely magical. Just like a fairytale. I can't wait to find my prince..

XO. mandy

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Friday's [Favorite] Things!

Hello my sweet bloggy friends! It's another beautiful Friday [already? yes.] and I have some more fun things to share!

1. Bubble Tea! I have been craving it all week. I blame Emma & Elsie. *wink*

2. This photo is so stunning. L o v e

3. These shoes are crazy. I love them. [via Bleubird]

4. Glass milk cartons! Can you imagine having this in your lunchbox in elementary school? You would've been, like, the coolest kid ever. [especially if you had these]

5. Andy Bernard. So cuteeeeeeeee. <3

I'm really excited for this weekend! I'm going to start art journaling and sketching out new shop ideas [I have so many plans and can't wait to share!]. I just bought a really cute sketchbook for journaling. It's purse-size so I can take it everywhere! I've run into a little problem though...I love writing with sharpie markers, but they are bleeding through the pages. *sadface* Any suggestions for a good journaling pen? If you journal, what type of pen or brand do you tend to use? Thanks so much for your help! XO, mandy

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Goodbye Michael Scott [spoilers]

Tonight was Steve Carrell's final episode. Huge sigh. I have never cried that much during The Office...not even when Pam and Jim got married! [and trust me, I was crying like a baby when they finally tied the knot] I'm not going to lie, I really don't like Will Ferrel as the new boss. Loved him as Buddy the Elf, but he just doesn't fit with this show. Although I really don't think anyone could replace Steve Carrell..
So yeah, sad night. XOXO, mandyyy

[images via google]

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The Dream Home Series: Bedroom + Closet

Hello again! I am super excited for this week's edition of 'Dream Home'! The bedroom is my favorite room to decorate and organize [along with the craft room]. I'm having a hard time mentally designing my dream bedroom because there are so many design aspects I want! Maybe I should have a several bedrooms in my dream home so I can decorate like crazy.......yes, I like this plan. :]

This is my absolute perfect bed. Every time I see this photo I get inspired. All of the colors and little details are pure magic! ♥

For my 'dream' bedroom, I want it to be part romantic/fairytale-inspired and part handmade/crafty cuteness. I also want it to be calming and cozy...a place where I can go to truly relax and dream.

I love all of the shelving in this small space! Definitely gives you more room for decorating and organizing cute books and artwork.

This wall color is perfection! Exactly what I want for my room. And how lovely is the handmade canopy bed? Branches + white lights = pretty pretty.

Look at those walls! Dreamy...

Next up is the closet. This part is simple. I am a girl. I want a huge closet. *wink*

Turn the hallway leading to the bathroom into a walk-in closet? Yes please.

Love the shelving for shoes and purses in this closet!

The small finishing details are my favorite! How about stacking a small bookcase on top of the dresser for extra storage space? Genius!

I love these cute ideas for hanging necklaces..

You could also try hanging an old [clean] rake on your closet door. It's sturdy enough to hold all of your necklaces, even the heavy ones!

 The floors in my dream home are going to all be wood, so having a cute rug in my bedroom would be so fun!

Spray painting vintage figurines in fun, bright colors is a great little DIY that's quick and cheap.

A vintage metal fan is a must for my room. I've been looking for one EVERYWHERE but can't seem to find any in great condition that don't cost a million dollars. Blah.

 I have always wanted a cute little window seat like the one below. Some place cozy where I could sketch or journal or read a favorite book..

[all images via my Pinterest]

Today I am getting some work done, painting my nails [yay glitter!], and watching Michael Scott's last episode of The Office. *sadface* I'm tearing up just thinking about it. Michael is my favorite character from the show and it's never going to be the same without him.  Oh dear... XO, mandypants Google Reader is closing soon! via Bloglovin to get all Miss Indie updates! xo.

Meet The Sponsors!

Scissor Quirk Hello! I'm Michelle Alynn Clement - a 26 year old crafty girl who lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada with the ocean just down the street. I work in the local animation industry here in town, and sometimes work from home on my little indie bizz Bubbly Shnooks and design paper collections for Sassafras Lass, too. 

Blog // Shop // Twitter

Abbey Roo Hi my name is Amber. Or Amberface. You can usually find me baking, having adventures with my art, or obsessing over owls. I have been creating since I was a wee lass. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children who are a great inspiration to me and for my art. 

Blog // Shop // Twitter 

Your Daily Jewels My name is Norah. I am a physical therapist and I take care of children with disabilities. I have been a collector of special beads and beautiful stones and baubles since childhood. I love designing something in my mind, creating it with my hands, and knowing someone is wearing my work and it is making them happy.

Blog // Shop // Twitter 

Sunshine + Carousels I'm Erin Wilson, just a wife and mother to one pretty little red headed girl named Penelope. I grew up in the arts, I discovered a young age that I had a knack for all things creative. My grandma and my mom are my biggest inspirations.

Blog // Shop // Twitter

Srslyliz Well, hello there. My name is Liz & I am a designer, dreamer & full on {fancy} nerd. Sacramento, California is where I call home with my handsome boyfriend Glenn & our pet ewok Walter. As much of a city girl as I am, I long to reside where the ocean meets the forest. That is my ideal. 

Blog // Shop // Twitter

Seablanket Hi, I'm Chelsea, also known as Seablanket. I like to make things by hand and share those things with you. What I love: deer, thrift shopping, tattoos, creating things by hand, sunglasses, vegan baking, nature, apple computers, espresso soda, and vinyl.

Blog // Shop // Twitter

A super big thank you to all of my sponsors this month! You all are so talented and I can't thank you enough for supporting me and my dreams by sponsoring Miss Indie. Thank you thank you! <3

Do you want to sponsor Miss Indie? I only have a couple spots left, so if you've been thinking about sponsoring then you should grab a spot quick! :] XO, mandypants

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pictures...life...silly dreams

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone! All of your sweet comments on my last post were so encouraging and uplifting! I'm super happy to say that yesterday was a major improvement compared to how I use to live. I drank a ton of water, got my walking in and took my vitamins, and ate almost completely healthy [curse you chips, haha]. I am even more inspired to change after seeing how many of you are also doing things to become more healthy. We can totally do this!! <3

Here's what all I've been up to lately..

Watching some movies for the first time [and adding them to my 'favorites']

The Virgin Suicides

Being John Malkovich

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

[images via google]

Buying new scrapbooking supplies on Ebay [and a new phone case...only $3!]

Finding cute ways to organize my room..

Becoming super inspired by cute magazines and books..

Today I am getting caught up on The Office [I am so sad that Steve Carrell is leaving *tears*], crocheting a little, and trying my hand at art journaling. I just bought a brand new sketch book and I'm really excited to give it a go. What are you doing today? XO, mandy

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Honest To Blog // A New Lifestyle

Hey everyone! I'm really excited to share some new lifestyle changes I am making, starting today. I've decided, after much thought and research, that I am going to make some big changes to follow a healthier lifestyle. Losing weight is, of course, a big factor in my decision, but it's also so much more than that. I don't just want to get back to a healthy weight, but I also want to be healthy in all that I do. This includes attitude, daily lifestyle, sleep schedule, etc. Reading my mom's post about the Mediterranean Diet and my friend Kinsey's post about what's really in fast food, as well as discussing things with my close friends, I've decided that a Mediterranean diet and lifestyle are exactly what I've been looking for! I'm so excited to change my life! :]

Here are the guidelines, or 'goals', that I have set for myself:
- I am giving up pork and all red meat. I'll only be eating turkey, chicken, fish, and beans/legumes for protein.
- Fruits and vegetables will make up the majority of every meal; proteins and grains will be the 'side dish'.
- Everything I eat has to be as fresh and 'pure' as possible. That means nothing processed and absolutely no fast food.
- I'm a huge salt addict, and because of that my blood pressure is super high [no fun!]. So, no salt.
- Also, nothing white. No white flour, no white sugar. Brown is the way to go!
- I've stopped drinking soda for the past few weeks [yay!], but I replaced my soda intake with sweet tea [not-so-yay]. Starting today I am allowing myself 1 tea a day, and the rest of the day I will drink ice water [with lemon, lime, or cucumber].
- Multi-vitamins, St. Johns Wort, and fish oil supplements will be taken daily.
- 15-30 minutes of walking on the treadmill, every day.
- Bed by 2am, up by 9am [I usually go to bed around 5am and get back up around 11:30am, definitely not healthy].
- I am going to take more time to hang out with friends and have fun. Girl time is crucial.
- I am going to stop putting things off. If I am inspired to try something new, like a recipe or craft project or movie, I am going to do it. Far too often I get inspired to do something but put it off because I don't feel like I have time, and then it never gets started/tried.
- Take time to meditate and 'de-stress' a little every day. Even if it's just putting on some Enya and closing my eyes and not doing anything for 15 minutes.

I know this may seem like a lot of changes, and maybe it is. I've thought everything through and I really feel that all of these things are completely doable for me. They are lifestyle changes, which means I will be following them for the rest of my life and I am so happy about that. A new season of change has been sparked in me over the past couple days. I feel inspired and empowered to change my life for the better, and for the first time in a long time I feel like it's achievable. I'm excited. So so excited.

If anyone wants to do this with me, you are more than welcome! I would love to have a little support group! We could share recipes and tips and encourage each other! :]

Well, I am heading out in this CRAZY NEVER-ENDING RAIN to go to some craft stores. Gotta get supplies and whatnot for some new projects I have in mind. What are you doing today? XO, mandypants

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Girls Date at Red Velvet // Places I Love

My besties and I had a fun little 'mini blogger meetup' yesterday at Red Velvet. We had a total blast and it was so much fun seeing Elsie, she's such a darling girl. The shop was amazingly cute and I so could move in and make it my closet. *wink*

[Blurry photo blooper, haha!]

Lydia trying on the cutest dress [and she bought it!] - she reminds me so much of Lydia from Beetlejuice and I'm so glad she got this cuteee dress!

The gang - Kimmie, Lillian, Lydia, Liz, and Amy!

The girls trying on some cute [and funny looking] glasses. :]

These necklaces were made by one of my sponsors, Violet Bella. They are so pretty!

Peach bubble tea and chocolate birthday cupcakes!

I tried bubble tea again and guess what? I LOVE IT! Like seriously, soooo so so good. Elsie's sister, Emma, made me a peach tea bubbletea and it was super yummy! One more thing to cross off my '23 Things' list!

'Hipster X-ing' bahahahaha. Lydia and I want to do a hipster version of the famous 'Abbey Road' photo. It would be EPIC.

I heart historic Commercial Street. It's so cute and a great place for photos and thrifting.

My best friends in the whole world. These are the most amazing girls I have ever met.

My super cute mama! I love you!

Yesterday was one of the most fun days that I've had in awhile. It was definitely a welcome break from my everyday schedule. There's something so pure and magical about spending time with people that love you for who you are and that you love dearly in return.....it makes my heart so happy. <3

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend and a lovely Easter. I'm spending the day with my family, eating lots of candy and watching Nacho Libre. My sister and I watch Nacho Libre every Easter because of the line "Your only job is to cook. Do you not realize I have had diarrhea since Easters?". It's weird, but it's kind of a tradition for us, hahaha. :] What have you been up to this weekend? XO, mandypants

['I Do' Sundays will return next week! xo.]

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