Cartolina new iPhone Cases - #idie

{ Map of Roma iPhone Case by Cartolina found here; all following pictures are via same link}

Let me first proclaim that I DO NOT go gaga over iPhone cases on a regular basis. I have the same matte metallic red case I bought when I first got my phone, years ago. It's not pretty to look at anymore, but it still does the job. And I consider my phone as something that's purpose is to be functional, not merely a decorative accessory.

But I'm finding I'm old. I've known it for a little while, but I still liked to pretend that I was just as cool as I was in my late twenties. But it's not like I just turned thirty and going in withdrawals. That was a bit of a shock. Thirty-one didn't really phases me... Actually, I've been liking the 30's so far and recently embraced it. 

ANYWAYS. The point! So, normally, I wouldn't go gaga over phone cases. There are tons of super cute ones out there, but I'm not trying to secretly outdo my BFF's latest new case in homeroom tomorrow. 

Banged up, dependable red case it is. 

Until my eyes spied Poppytalk's post on these bad boys. Shut the front door & pick your jaw up off the floor.

I.

love. 

you,

Cartolina.

I'll take one of each, please. *drool* 

For those of you not aware, I grew up in Italy (military brat). I haven't been in a while, but I've been back since I was a child & traveled all over.  

Naturally, I love the case with a map of Rome on it. I have loads of good stories from Rome. You know, as in drinks and drunks (not me, it wasn't my first time to that rodeo), gypsies, getting lost and finding your way back. And along the way, stumbling upon some of the most awe-inspiring architecture..all lit up glorifically (you like that?!) with fountains in the background. You could just hear the heavenly music playing in the background of your mind. 

And, no, 100% serious, I was sober. I mean, yeah I had a drink, but I wasn't buzzed and no drugs. That was never really my thing.

*sigh*

Again, Rome + me = swoon

Oh, and you like how I completely nerded out about the architecture? uh huh...Me = interior designer, studied art history and archaeology, love all that jazz...

so imagine the girly squeals of joy that escaped from me when I saw these guys...

double *swoon*

As if they didn't have me drooling enough, there are floral styles (à la botanical prints) too?!

I mean, my tagline after my business name (Cardinal House) is only "peace. love. flowers"

No big. phsssh

(hang head down in defeat for about two seconds before more drool falls)

Love that poppy. 

(I'm a sucker for red, you guys)

Wow..do you see what kickstarts my butt into instantly posting about it? Phone cases. For real? Anyone that knows me, knows how laughable this is because I almost never talk on the phone. Now that the boyfriend is in Atlanta full time, the only person I spend any time with on the phone is my aunt (she's basically my mom). 

I check my emails on it when I don't feel like opening up the computers at home. I often play solitaire on it at night to shut my brain up. My son may use it more than I do to play Minecraft on it during car rides.

Go check out all the other case designs at Cartolina.

xoxo,

Kat

PS- This post isn't sponsored. All drool spent in the production of this post was of my on accord. Thank you, good day.

for the love of doodles.

{ image via Little Flower Designs }

I am, have been, and always will be a sucker for doodles. My school notebooks were covered in them (well, besides actual class notes). And I poured hours into my drawings for design presentations. Cross-hatching fool, that's me!

{ photo by me, found here }

See that picture on the left? Hand drawn by yours truly. No markers. All pen, Microns to be exact. And those filled-in, all black portions...lines. Loads of lines close together. Cross hatching madness.

{ images via Little Flower Design's Etsy shop }

But enough about me, back to some of my design crushes. Like Little Flower Designs. Linda now has ornaments in addition to her vases and mugs. And the polar bear scarf and those feathers...guess what they remind me of...

{ images via Alisa Burke's kick-arse blog }

...Alisa Burke! If you've never heard of her, I encourage to check out of blog. It's chock full of eye candy sketches, family explorations, and fun DIY's. It perks me up each morning!
And she also sells a variety of colorful goodies, from stationary to rubber stamps to these adorable pouches.

So we've covered the Pacific Northwest, Philly area...and down in Miami, there's my dear Valentina...

{ image via www.valentinadesign.com }

 ...Valentina Harper (formerly Ramos). I honestly love you. It started with a planner (Yes, I still like to write appointments down the old-fashioned way too). And after further stalking obsessing admiring, I discovered how awesome her Facebook page was/is! Blank coloring pages on Mondays- yay! And almost every month, she whips up a new calendar wallpapers featuring he work. Yeah- you know I've got this month's up at the office!



baci,
-Kat

you're my butter half!

 

{ photography by Andy Sams Photography; found via Austin Wedding Blog }

Seriously, how cute? 

I really enjoy quirkier photo shoots like this. You get a sense of 

 personality, you know? Candid + quirky + awesome backdrop = win, win, win!

Check out the rest of the shots taken around Austin, TX *here*

Do you like traditional or candid shots best?

the most adorable DIY cardboard playhouses. Ever.

{ image via A Beautiful Mess }

Um. Sometimes I hate the internet. And especially Pinterest. 

I thought I was the coolest mom ever when I combined two appliance boxes together to create a mini-mansion for my son when he five. Was an overachiever  by covering inside and outside with old wallcovering samples from the office. Oh, and even went for extra credit by putting down carpet squares for flooring.

There are the sweetest memories of El Kiddo and his Aunt Teri (yeah...only one year older than El Kiddo) playing in that CLUBhouse (not dollhouse, mind you- lol). And the mini-mansion CLUBhouse was big enough for one of the kiddos to pile their pillows & blankets in to sleep the night away. 

It was awesome...

...or so I thought. 

Thank you, Katie (of A Beautiful Mess) for knocking me down to mere mortal status again. But, seriously...these dollhouses are freakin' adorable. Love.

♥

beertone...the new pantone?

{ image via design milk article }

lol- what's next? Winetone for me, I believe!

And, yes, this is for real. You can preorder your very own level of Beertone gift pack *HERE*

cats that look like pin up girls.

Source: catsthatlooklikepinupgirls.tumblr.com via Kat. on Pinterest

Hilarious way to start your week. Love these match ups of cat pictures with pin up girls!

xoxo,

Kat.

facecats.

Source: lostateminor.com via Kat. on Pinterest

Seriously. I downloaded Google Chrome just to try this out. 

It's hilarious for about 15 minutes. Then you realize that you've become addicted to OCD refresh-checking on your friends' pictures (even though you were complaining about them 20 minutes ago). Also, you start to see the same pictures repeat...

but. very fun to test drive Facecats just to prove that it works & is for real!

have fun with the kitties!

xoxo,

-Kat.