what i wore // bellbottoms

i wore this outfit on a beautiful day spent thrifting with my lovely friend ariana. i also am beginning to believe these bellbottoms must be my lucky pants, because this was the day i scored some major amazing thrift finds! i really am loving flared pants more than skinny jeans lately, they feel more summery or something. maybe it's just because i can't wear them in wintertime when it's raining otherwise they get soaked! either way, i'm loving them!

and yes, you might have noticed my hair is longer in these pictures, because these photos were taken last week before i cut my hair! you can see my new hair on instagram here.



details // 
top // forever 21
hat // forever 21
bells // vintage levi's/urban
bag // vintage
rings // vintage
necklace // bueno bueno
sunnies // urban outfitters




x's + o's
kaitlin elaine

thank you ariana for the photos!

festive strawberry + blueberry tart

today i was inspired by this simple strawberry tart as i was lurking the inter-webs.

since the fourth of july is creeping up on us, i thought this would be a fun treat to bring to parties!
i used cream cheese but next time i for sure want to try nutella.



here's what you need (its almost too easy)

i used this dough recipe.
a tube of cream cheese (i used plain whipped)
sliced strawberries
blueberries

prep time: 20 minutes

after you bake the dough, let dough cool. then apply the desired cream cheese & berries.

i threw my tarts in the fridge to cool for a nice afternoon treat on such a warm day like today.
do you have any favorite tart recipes?
the next one i want to try has to be a peach tart!

happy saturday!

x's + o's,
chelsea diane

follow friday: @arizadai

I am really excited about today's follow friday post. Today you guys will get to know a friend of mine for almost a decade. a DECADE people. i met this girl in high school, we were in separable friends. we both have grown and changed since we met all those years ago. (we met during our emo // hardcore // intense eyeliner days). our friendship has always been long distance. i moved to norfolk and we were finally in the same city, then she left that same summer for nashville to follow her heart. she has traveled to iceland twice. and has a huge heart for the world. get to know ariel or as people now know her as 'ari.' 

1. Ariel Zadai // 23 soon-to-be 24! // Nashville // freelance photography & barista

2. okay, so we have been friends for ten years. so of course I want to start your first question with how we met ;)

Oh man, we met when I was only 16! First of all, we basically were the first social media friends via Myspace. Took my mom a minute for her to be ok with us meeting, so I remember inviting you to my then boyfriend's show and we instantly were soul mate friends! I remember all the colors we used to wear and all the eye liner too, haha. Our friendship story is definitely old school and I love it!

3. you moved to Nashville now 2 years ago, how have you grown since you moved?

Man, I have grown in so many ways. I have learned so much about friendship and community. The community I have been influenced by in Nashville has pushed me forward and kept me accountable on so many levels. My relationship with Jesus has expanded in ways I never thought needed to grow in. I've learned to be still and wait; that has been huge. It is kind of difficult to explain, without sounding too vague, but my love for Jesus has grown so deeply in my heart. I feel like my move to Nashville has been more a focus on my overall identity, then anything else. I'll leave it there..haha.

4. what are some of your favorite places in your city?

There are so many quality places here! To name a few food & coffee places - Crema, Silly Goose, High Brow Brew, Barista Parlor, Burger Up, Mas Tacos. My favorite local stores are Imogene & WIllie, White's Mercantile, & Lulu's.

5. if you were a coffee beverage what would you be? (and what latte art would you be?)

Hmm, I think I would probably be a cortado because it's just the right amount of balance between espresso and milk. I'd like to be a heart or a tulip! (I know, super girly..)

6. you are a world traveler. if you could pick your next international location, where would it be?

Definitely Israel! I have been dreaming of going to Israel, or really anywhere around the Middle East for years now.

7.your birthday is next week!! what are some of your hopes and dreams for your 24th year?

Honestly, I want 24 to BE a year of hopes & dreams! The past few years have been some of the most trying, so I am hoping 24 will be the best year yet. I want to see my photography blossom and I would love to meet more connections within the industry so I can further my knowledge in it. I want to start writing a book, and I would like to write at least 2 songs! Also, I would love to meet an awesome man…just saying'!

8. what inspires you?

This is such a cliche response, but I am always inspired by Jesus, seriously. 

Lately, my practical inspirations have been talking to traveling artists. I am in full-time customer service, so you can image the amount of people I meet and I love it. Everyone holds different passions and views on those passions. It fascinates me! I honestly am constantly surprised and inspired just by being open and asking someone about their story. Even if it is just a glimpse, they always leave pieces of their heart with me. 

9. where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I can hardly see where I'll be the rest of this year, haha! But I would love to be settled in a city somewhere, hopefully starting a family, pursuing life with loved ones, and making future travel plans. 

10. describe yourself in three words.. GO!

Perceiver, Believer, Relentless

 thank you for being apart of follow friday ariel!
 (hope you all enjoyed some of the throw back photos i threw in there!)

 x's + o's,
chelsea diane


(and for your view pleasure.. chelsea & ariel high school addition)

 

ootd: iphone addition

guys, it's too hot to function. i am counting down the days til fall.
the humidity is at full force and all i want to do is hide inside and read a book.
kaitlin is out working on an exciting project this week while i am finishing my last week at
my part time job!




outfit//
flower crown: ℅ with lavender & lace
top: tjmaxx
bottoms: urban outfitters
shoes: urban outfitters
bag: ℅ fount leather
rings: vintage & etsy



ps thanks to my boyfriend andrew who always take my photos! ootd is not my favorite post to do (i hate getting my photo taken) so big thanks to him who puts up with me!


x's + o's,
chelsea diane

thrifty thrift // kait + chels

the last two weeks have been amazing for lucking out on the best thrifted treasures. i try to stop by any thrift store if i have time when i am out and about, you never know what you'll find! i had been on the hunt for specific items, and it took me weeks, but i finally found what i was looking for! {YAY}

i had been specifically looking for clogs. i desperately want to invest in a pair of swedish hasbeens but just can't bring myself to spend the money [right now] when i know there HAS to be a pair sitting in a goodwill somewhere with my name on them. well guess what? i found a pair! yes! hallelujah! but that was only the second best find. come see what else i found! plus, chelsea included a few of her favorite recent vintage finds as well!
-------
kait //
1 . last week i mentioned i got a record player, and yep i sure did thrift it. i found this record, cd, radio, and cassette player at goodwill for $40, which isn't super thrifty of me, but it is the exact crosley i've wanted from target for at least 2 years. so, i scored.

and obviously you can't have a record player without records! these are few i have found at thrift stores and in the clearance section of a local record shop.

2. i bought this jewelry box for $5 at goodwill. it has tons of space for rings and all my small earrings.

3. i picked up this crocheted avocado green and white blanket, handmade and basically in brand new condition yesterday along with this arts & crafts book from the 70's containing tutorials for batik, needlepoint, and of course macrame, among other 70's crafts. i can't wait to do some diy's!


4. this ceramic jar with a lid and green glass bottle sit on my shelf, waiting to hold important things and flowers, i guess!

5. this framed floral wall hanging is still waiting to be hung somewhere in my room. since redecorating, i'm loving pops of this avocado green throughout my room.

6. i found this forever 21 mustard floral top for a few dollars, along with this small genuine leather bag at the same goodwill. and the clogs! i scored them at st. vincent de paul, out in the middle of nowhere. they are a little tight on the top of my foot so i am working on stretching them, but i love them. genuine leather, 'nordstrom' brand. still on the hunt for a tan or brown pair though! oh, did i mention they were only $2????!!! [whaaat!]

chels //

1. a ring and clip on earrings.
2. i have been trying to de-Pyrex and sell some of my collection but this is my favorite print so i had to buy it!
3 . vintage glass juice canister in mint condition, looks like it has never been used!
4 . a set of 5 1960's party glasses for $10!!!



happy thrifting!

x's + o's
kaitlin elaine + chelsea diane