Instagram Loves

If I was a social media site I would most definitely be Instagram. It’s seriously my favorite by far (well, y'all probably know pinning on our Pinterest is a close second). I could scroll through my feed for hours, and I always become giddy when I find a picture that’s worthy of double-tapping. I also happen to get a little too excited when I discover a new Instagram feed that’s impeccably curated. Here’s round two (be sure to check out Instagram Loves: round one) of my favorite Instagram accounts as of late….

@coolmarbelous: this feed is perfectly minimalistic. Sometimes plain white backgrounds can be uber boring, but the Cool & Marbelous team makes white look fabulously chic. Go follow them now, you won’t be disappointed!

@sheila_gim: Sheila’s feed is bright, bold, and beautiful with wonderful hints of darkness (i.e., the picture above). If I could step into Sheila’s life for a day, I would be so, so excited. Sheila also works with DesignLoveFest a lot, so there’s a chance you’ve seen her photos floating around the internet.

@ashleux: Ashley’s feed never fails to inspire me to see the beauty in everything. Seriously, she managed to make even the ordinary look extraordinary. If you love when an Instagrammer’s feed meshes together perfectly, then definitely go follow Ashley!

@wideeyedlegless: Madeylnn’s feed is also super gorgeous and minimal. I think it’s so inspiring how she can make something so simple look so beautiful and elegant. If you’re a fan of minimal, then this will be your new favorite feed. Sometimes I wish I could like her pictures more than once ;)

Hope to see you Instagramming! xo ~chloe

Cupcake Toppers

Cupcakes are the cutest of desserts: a mini cake that you don’t have to share. Because when it comes to dessert, sharing isn’t fun, it’s stealing. One thing I love seeing lately are cake toppers. They are such a cute way to add a little extra something special to a cake. A cherry on top, if you will.

However, I haven’t really been seeing anything that goes on top of cupcakes. I mean there are those cheap plastic rings that grocery stores put on top of their cupcakes, but those don’t really count. So I thought to myself, “wouldn’t it be fun to make a little something for the top of cupcakes.” And because this thought seemed rather rational compared to my other ones (ie “is a banana still edible if you spray paint the outer peel and then eat the inside?” or “if the sun was black would the sky be black or just a darker blue?”) I decided that I should make a few cupcake toppers!

The star is a classic shape, & when you make the star gold you can channel your inner Rachel Berry, from Glee, because she puts a gold star on everything she likes. Plus, I’m assuming she likes cupcakes, so we’re actually just helping the Rachel Berry cause. I also thought we could get more intricate and make a trendy leaf heart shape.

And aren’t these cupcakes just absolutely gorgeous? We partnered on this post with our fab friend Hunter, of Vivian & Me, who writes a blog about allergy-friendly food recipes. I can not wait to try out these insanely gorgeous basil infused pink grapefruit cupcakes that have a vegan buttercream frosting and candied grapefruit on top! So be sure to stop by her blog for the cupcake recipe &  more amazing, mouthwatering, insanely yummy recipes (buffalo chicken dip, anyone?). And tell her we said "hi!"

Directions for toppers:

With the brand new, awesome Cricut Explore (it's on sale right now!): 1. Insert a picture of a star to your Cricut Design Space (we drew our own in Photoshop so it would look kind of rustic and imperfect). If you would like to create our heart & leaf shape, we’ve attached the file below so that you can upload it to your Design Space 2. Print it out on your paper of choice - of course we chose glittery gold! 3. Hot glue the shape to a toothpick 4. Let it dry 5. Then decorate your cupcake until it looks like a masterpiece - maybe Hunter at Vivian & Me has some tips on piping icing that we'll share soon ;)

xo ~chloe

8 links I love this week

I've been so inspired this week, despite having a "thumbs-down" day earlier this week (as you know, if you're following along on Instagram). But the week is improving, and here's what has me swooning.

I’m crazy obsessed with ^ this simple outfit. Black & white perfection.

I’m currently taking a "Lettering for Designers: One Drop Cap Letterform at a Time" on Skillshare. I swear SkillShare has something for everyone - it's the most amazing thing since the creation of pre-made cookie dough.

I recently purchased this shirt so that I can wear it when I go running and literally be a walking (or rather running) definition for the word “ironic.”

I'm ready to play golf. And this golf  / croquet DIY would be perfect for a lawn party & so Alice in Wonderland.

Because nothing's hotter than a man in a suit on a penny board. Or a surfboard.

Over spring break, I will be chopping my hair so that it’ll mimic this gorgeous hairstyle. (image on main page)

The real definition of “rebellious.”

Buzzfeed quizzes are my favorite way to waste time (that is, besides Pinterest and Youtube).

How about you - what's keeping you inspired?