Pick-me-ups on grumpy days

Scree captures from the movie Legally Blonde

You know those days when all seems to go wrong, you get discouraged -even question yourself a little- and you are just in one of those moods that you can't shake off? Or even those days when you get the "mean reds", as Holly would say. Well, I was having one of those bad days today so I thought I'd share a couple of things that cheer me up. Maybe they'll help you on your bad days too. 

Clean up your workspace:

After indulging the grumps for a while I started thinking what were a few things I could do right now to perk myself up. Looking around, I immediately knew what I had to do. Clean up my little studio, of course! I have been keeping my self so busy lately with things like making my jacket and lots of illustrations that I never made some time to tidy up. I am one of those people who simply cannot function in a messy, cluttered and dirty environment. 

Watch a fun comedy with a strong leading lady and an uplifting message:

The second pick-me-up was a no-brainer: watching Legally Blonde. So, I popped in the movie and started cleaning up. This movie is a gem and never fails to cheer me up. It's sweet, funny and has a great message. A must have in any emergency kit, in my opinion. Elle's "watch me while I kick butt" attitude is great. It's a film  that reminds you to believe in yourself and that you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it. Plus, the movie is so bubbly that the opening credits are filled with heart-dotted i's!

Most of the problems that were bugging me in the first place might still be at my doorstep, and I might not be able to do much about those but, refreshing my mind and my attitude with little things like these helps more than you'd think. I see these little pick-me-ups as the stepping stones towards that positive attitude that gets buried under the mean grumps. They also offer a freshening up of the mind after too much thinking.

Sometimes - like in the climax of a movie - you hit a wall, you let yourself dwell on it for a bit and then you dust yourself off and get yourself back up again stronger than before.

And when all else fails, go listen to this that my sister sent me. Sorry, blame the child within me.

What are some of your fail proof pick-me-ups?

Paper Dress Up Doll Preview

I've been working on this project of mine in bits and pieces during any moment I get, day or night (as you can tell from the bad lighting on some of the photos). You might have noticed these clothes that I have been drawing and painting on instagram. Maybe you even guessed what I had up my sleeve. I've kept this dress up doll quite on the down-low so far, but I have finally made enough progress to know that it is well under way. At first, I was worried that this little project might fall through the cracks. So I didn't want to announce it until I was, at least, half way through. Well, it's almost done now. 

Growing up, I used to love playing with paper dolls and I have very fond memories of cutting out different dolls, dresses and accessories. This is precisely why I have loved every single second of making this dress up doll and all of her pretty clothes.

I will soon be releasing this free printable dress up doll with an initial collection featuring clothes from Dolce and Gabbana, DVF, Free People, Ohhh Lulu and many more. Once you have your doll you'll be able add more to her closet because I will be posting more free clothes and accessories on Wednesdays ("On Wednesdays we wear pink" just popped into my mind as I wrote this. A very fitting reference). 

I still have a couple of things to finish before I can print out the first one and try it out. That's going to be so much fun! I haven't set a release date yet, but it will probably happen some time in the next few weeks. So, if you want to make this dolly yours,  be on the look out for that.

dewy morning light

Call me completely obsessed with Pinterest, but these are a few of my latest pins and there's something I love very much about how they look together. They reflect my style perfectly. A little bit of pink, some sheer, dip it in sparkles, beautifully natural and fresh floral arrangements, a sweet and nostalgic air, some reading - and you've got me swooning.

It's turning out to be a cold weekend but I am daydreaming of spring, sheer dresses and cool afternoon breezes.

Lately 05: Instagram edition

Happy Friday! Today I bring you some snapshots from my instagram. These are a few of the little things that have been brightening up my days lately.

Have a lovely weekend. ♥