It's been a hot second since we've done a Tea Talk! Since it's Monday I thought it'd be perfect for a little chit-chat + life update. This week we're chatting about DL's new look, how post grad life is going, and a few of my favorite things (including a foundation, a celeb couple, and a some rad art prints!). So, why don't you grab a beverage and join me? I'm currently sipping on green tea with one cream and one sugar.

Dearie Lovie Got a Face-Lift!
First things first, DL got a new look and I'm loving it. It's been far too long since I've had a cohesive look going on and this blog has been sitting in a weird minimalistic limbo for more months than I'd care to admit. Through much experimentation and the many looks my blog has gone through I've learned a lot about my style. I love minimalism, but all that white space always feels inspiring when others do it and just plain empty when I do it. Anyone else feel the struggle?

I also love highly decorative and elaborate blog designs, but couldn't settle on a motif that wasn't simultaneously classic, cliche, and just plain tired. I love bright colors, but can never seem to settle on a bold color I won't tire of after 5 minutes. For the majority of the time this blog has seen a neutral palette consisting of soft grays and muted blues. When I saw this design and it's color scheme I was doubly sold.

You'd think since I design for a living, I could design a kick-ass space for myself, but designing for yourself is hard. It's hard to fully represent every version of who you are in design sometimes. Also, it's hard to just pick one vibe to portray (aka just one face) to show the world. So, this time I sought someone else's work. After many months of off and on searching I think I found a template that fits me and the vibe of my blog. I think it's versatile and could stand the test of time...maybe not forever, but for awhile.

So, how about we cheers to a little change?

*clinks tea mug to yours*

A Little Life Update
How has life been going? Well, it's been going that's for sure. I'm basically two months post grad and trying to stay afloat in the real world. I don't think I've been doing too shabby, but my eyes have definitely been opened to a whole new realm of stress that exceeds the likes of academia.

I've been designing full time, working two different jobs. Both jobs have been great learning experiences. One is a local start-up and the other is more corporate in nature. It's great getting to experience two very different ends of the spectrum. Of course there are pros and cons to both, but I just consider myself lucky to be able to draw a paycheck doing a job I actually like in a town I want to be in. I'm very fortunate.

Last month I moved in with my boyfriend. Those are words I'd never thought I'd say...not because I never thought I'd move in with him, but because things are crazy and if you would have asked me last year if I'd be where I am today I would've completely scoffed. Life moves so quickly and takes so many unexpected turns. I could've never predicted a year ago that I'd even have a boyfriend, let alone move in with one! Though I was sad to leave my perfect little apartment, one I'll always cherish for housing my single soul and proving I could indeed live alone and be sufficient, I'm happy to explore the newness of living with a significant other. There have been lots of silly little things to overcome (my couch is more aesthetically pleasing, his is more functional - whose stays?), but there's also been a lot of good to enjoy too (getting to spend so much time everyday with your best friend).


Girl, Check This Out!

1. In guilty pleasure news: I've been totally crushing on Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris's romance via Instagram. Aren't they the cutest?
2. Pixi by Petra's H20 Skin Tint (in Nude) has been the best summer makeup purchase by far. Totally gives me that no-makeup-makeup look, it's light on the skin, and I can buy it at Target. So much win in one bottle.
3. Buying this and this for my "getting ready" space for sure! They're effortlessly cool and at $4, a total steal. #babevibes
4. Loving the phrase "macro-dream, micro-accomplish" as seen on The Nectar Collective recently.

Since we're done chatting about me, what's new with you? Let me know!