Hey hey! In today’s post, I’m taking a break from all the wedding talk for a minute. I know what you’re thinking, “Wait, isn’t that what Fat Cat does?!?!” Well, of course, it is — that and birthday parties, sweet sixteens, baby showers, the list goes on. I’m going to take a step back from all that though and let you in on a little behind the scenes action. Maybe it’s not really “action” but nevertheless, I’m taking a step back from all the pretty letterpress details and letting you into my brain for a second.
As designers (and frankly as curious human beings), we find sources of inspiration everywhere that influences what we do every day. If we went into complete robot mode and just pumped out design after design, everything would start looking exactly the same — or mundane at the very least. It’s always good to take time away from our to-do list and reset a bit so I wanted to share some of my go-to sources of inspiration with you today.
PODCASTS!
Over the past few months, I’ve become quite the podcast addict. I drive A LOT and I know it’s hard not to complain about the traffic, but I’ve been working on flipping that mindset to “no big deal, I can spend a few more minutes listening to this episode.” I also drive at night a lot, which helps with traffic too ?
So bear with me here, but I just love how one thing can lead you to another awesome thing (or maybe an even more awesome thing) so I can’t bring myself to simply list my favorites here.
I had been following the fun and bubbly @jennakutcher on social media for several months not even knowing that she had a podcast. Well oddly enough, her “Goal Digger” podcast was on my sweet wedding planner friend, Bespoken Weddings’ list of favorites so I had to check it out. After all, it was January and my head was buzzing with 2018 goals.
Well, Jenna Kutcher interviews some pretty amazing people including the lovely, @jesslively. So now I’m COMPLETELY HOOKED on her podcast too. Seriously, it’s the happiest podcast. Not gonna lie I play the jingle in my head sometimes to cheer myself up. She’s super positive and upbeat so if you’re looking for a pick-me-up, “The Lively Show” is the place to go!
Then of course “The Lively Show” led me to “Young House Love”. As you may or may not know, my husband and I are currently house hunting so this last one could not be more up my alley right now. Well for that reason AND the fact that when I grow up, I wanna be Joanna Gaines. Either way, I’m dying to raid some antique shops and start decorating.
IG FEEDS
I’m also the face behind @fatcatpaperie on Instagram. After avoiding social media for an embarrassingly long time (like I’m 31 going on 95 over here ?♀️?), I really started to embrace Instagram and now I LOVE it. It’s become like a second little digital home for me. Part of my daily routine is to spend a few minutes looking for new, exciting feeds to follow while catching up with my current favorites.
This first one has been a longtime favorite that I don’t see myself quitting anytime soon. @riflepaper has the cutest floral everything (including postage stamps, run to your post office now and buy them). And that house that I mentioned earlier, once I find it (or it finds me), it will most definitely have an office wallpapered like this…
or this…
or this…
DM me at @fatcatpaperie and let me know which one needs to go on my vision board.
Next, @thecraftedlife is a gorgeously vibrant recent find that I love visiting. Even if you’re not into DIYing, it’s totally worth checking out. You just can’t help but smile when looking at row after row of perfectly curated little rainbow squares.
Lastly, Emily Jeffords of @emily_jeffords is an artist who’s just dripping with talent. I mean, how gorgeous is her recent collaboration with Anthropologie? I love stalking her stories for painting videos in the calmest, dreamiest color palettes. I recently ordered one of her prints for my future home and I have a feeling it won’t be my only purchase with her.
BLOGS
Reading other blogs definitely keeps me on my toes. I can’t say I’m the best about getting a post out on time every week. That being said, I’m on a pretty good streak lately, aside from this one being a little late. Anyway, these professional bloggers have it together in their own dreamy little corners of the internet.
“Almost Makes Perfect” is all airy whites and ivories. Molly’s blog is like a breath of fresh air — and baby giggles if you follow her on IG @almostmakesperfect. I love following her everyday banter and beautifully styled home.
“The Happy Camp” — they have a cute dog and a pink logo, enough said.
And last but certainly not least (because the designer in me has to do things in three’s — or at least in odd numbers because things look more interesting that way), we have “Young House Love.” Yes, they’re listed twice but for good reason. If you’re hooked on their podcast then it’s impossible not to get hooked on their blog. I mean after all, you can’t possibly listen to all their design and styling advice without wanting to check out photos of it all. They also have a pink beach house with a pink stove — I think Fat Cat needs both ?
I hope you’re feeling inspired. DM me your favorite places of inspiration @fatcatpaperie . I’d love to check them out!
xoxo,
