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10 things making me smile

by Kaylah Stroup

▴ This sleepy plant that goes to bed every evening and wakes up refreshed in the mornings.

Rattlesnake Plant

▴ Fun socks!

▴ Combining bike rides + geocaching!
(Also, my pretty bike + hanging out with my brother!)

▴ Pressing plants.

▴ Cats in bags!
(My babies are almost always hanging out in or on a paper bag but I still always point it out to Jeff.)

 ▴ Matching my lipstick to my earrings!
(And just wearing fun earrings, in general!)

▴ Doing even the tiniest bit of gardening outside.

▴ This guy + those flowers he showed up at my bridal shower with.

▴ Getting a perfume named ‘Arizona’ in this month’s Glossybox.
(We’re getting married in Arizona, in case you missed that! Little coincidences like this are the best.)

▴ This wild little beast.

Other good things on my mind:
▴ weather warm enough for cook outs and sitting by the fire ▴ the smell of camp fire ▴ seeing Klaus play in puddles ▴ talks of building a zipline at my parent’s house before our wedding reception ▴ bike rides – forever + always ▴  rainy mornings that turn into sunshine filled afternoons ▴  getting a cat cafe IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD! ▴ booking plane tickets for the wedding! ▴ building a fun collection of earrings ▴ homemade chili (even if it means having to turn on the air conditioning to eat it) ▴ holding my new squishy baby niece ▴ finding my first four leaf clover!

What’s making you smile today?
xoxo

PS. Can’t recommend this gratitude journal enough!

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Friday Favorites #465

by Kaylah Stroup
This post contains affiliate links. For more information on what that means, read here.

Yeeeeah, these have to be the cutest paper clips ever.

(via Amazon)

If you were to ask me I’d probably deny being a fan of tshirts with silly sayings but these two shirts have me thinking otherwise.

(via Modcloth)

The print on these is too good!

(via bando)

Digging these planters big time! Only $30 for the set!

(via Amazon)

Yes, please!

(via Lulus)

Such a cute summer dress. You have to check out the back of it.

(via Madewell)

What a wonderful way to display polaroid photos! Of course I’m thinking about how perfect my wedding photos would be in it.

(via Urban Outfitters)

This neon light is fabulous! I own a cactus one by the same company. It’s so bright. I have it beside my computer and basically couldn’t love it more.

(via Lulus)

Way into all these feel good fabric stickers!

(via bando)

This shirt would be wonderful paired with a pair of high waist shorts, like these!

(via Modcloth)

This purse! Oh, so pretty!

(via Anthropologie)

Link love…

Happy Friday!
xoxo

PS. I have a list of more rad finds here + they’re organized by color!!! I update one color per week to really help the list grow. This week – WHITE!

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less than one month left!

by Kaylah Stroup

Y’all there is less than one month left until Jeff and I tie the knot.

Lemme repeat that. Less than one month! 

My dress is ready. I’ve found the perfect shoes. Our photographer is paid for. My hair and make up are booked. (Oh my gosh, what a hassle this has been.) I hired a florist. Hotel rooms are booked.

The only big thing left to do is a book a flight. Honestly, I’m a little stressed about that. Okay, a lot stressed. When we first got engaged round-trip flights were dirt cheap. We figured we’d wait a little while to book and what a mistake that was. They’ve nearly tripled in cost. There is going to come a point where we just have to book regardless of price sooo yeah, that sucks. Or who knows, maybe we’ll decide to drive if the prices just continue to rise. Either way, I’m ready to get that decision over with. I think it’ll feel a little bit more real when we have travel plans set in stone. Cross your fingers prices drop ASAP!

There are also a few other small things I want to do beforehand like find the perfect earrings, and figure out what I want to do with my nails. I’m sure there a couple other tasks like that but for the most part those aren’t really even bothering me. I spent so much time and energy worrying about my dress and hair that I basically have no more f’s to give. We’re in the home stretch now and I’m just ready to party.

All of that to say I one hundred percent cannot believe its actually happening. It’s almost like the closer it gets the less it seems real. There’s no way we’re actually taking an epic roadtrip with our family and friends! There’s no way I’m actually going to walk down a desert path with my dad to meet my handsome dude at the ‘altar’. It all just seems so unfathomable. It’s going to be SO AMAZING!

cookies Jeff’s mom made for my bridal shower!

Last weekend Jeff’s mom and sisters threw me a bridal shower. I wasn’t super jazzed for there to be a party where all the attention was on me but it was honestly a blast. We had brunch and they decorated so so so cute. There were plants on the table for all the guests in the sweetest little containers that said ‘let love grow. jeff + kaylah’ and then our wedding date. It was so much more than I ever expected. I am so so so thankful to have not only scored Jeff but the absolute best in-laws possible. I love his family.

One of the highlights of the shower for me was a questionnaire his sister, Emily, organized. Questions like ‘how long have Jeff + Kaylah been dating?’, ‘how many states have they been to together?’, ‘where did they go on their first date?’, etc. She had sent them to me beforehand so that I could answer but the very last question was a surprise. She had asked Jeff ‘what’s your favorite thing about Kaylah?’ His answer? ‘She feels like home.‘ I managed to not sob in front of everyone (because, thankfully, I was able to avoid eye contact for a few minutes) but just typing that now made me cry. I can’t believe how lucky I am.

I actually can’t even talk too in depth (or like at all) about the wedding without crying. I’ve already told y’all a million times how I’m a crybaby. I cry when I’m mad, when I’m sad, when something is too cute, and definitely when I’m happy. The closer we get to the big day, the more I cry – about the most stupid stuff too. The thought of us getting into the rental car? Tears!  Meeting up with our families in the desert? More tears! Thinking about seeing Jeff for the first time? MAJOR TEARS. This whole ordeal is just going to be a sobfest. OR maybe I’ll shock everyone and spend so much time laughing that I somehow don’t cry. Let’s hope for that!
xoxo

Read more wedding posts under the ‘wedding‘ tag! I’m particularly fond of our engagement story, not that I’m biased or anything.
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babbleboxx unboxing – her health month

by Kaylah Stroup

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.

BabbleBoxx is a curated sample box that gets sent to influencers. Last week I got my very first one, and the theme couldn’t have been more perfect* for me right now. May is Women’s Health Month, the box was themed accordingly.

It works out wonderfully because I am feeling more inspired than ever to get my body moving before the wedding next month. I’m not necessarily trying to change the way I look, just trying to feel better and be stronger. I made it my goal to move more and really take care of myself this month. My box was full of items to help me do that a little bit better.

Inside my BabbleBox was…

▴ Zenni UV Blue Blockers. If you haven’t heard of them yet, Zenni offers prescription glasses online for a really great price. In this box I received a pair of their blue blocker glasses which help block blue light. Too much blue light exposure can cause tired eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. (Literally all problems I have from staring at my computer all day long!) I haven’t been wearing them long enough to notice a difference but I’m excited to see if they help.

Aside from that, the pair I received are super cute! When I opened them I thought they’d definitely be too small but to my surprise they look adorable. Probably doesn’t hurt that they’re hot pink!!

Obviously, it goes without saying, if you’re in the market for new glasses keep Zenni in mind. Their prices are super affordable and they have lots of great styles. I’ve got my eyes on this pair. Just waiting until I get an updated prescription in a month and then I’ll definitely be grabbing some!

▴ The Myth Of A Nice Girl by Fran Hauser. Described as ‘A candid guide for ambitious women who want to succeed without losing themselves in the process.’ It has really great reviews (nearly all five stars on Amazon!) I’m always down read a book about female empowerment! I haven’t had a chance to read this yet, I’m saving it for our flight, but I am super excited to start!

▴ Champion Absolute Mesh Sports Bra. Moisture wicking + compression for moderate support! I actually think this might be my first compression sports bra and holy smokes, it feels amazing. So much more comfortable to jog in than anything else I own.

Fits true to size. (I’m wearing a large.)

▴ AfterShokz: Trekz Air. Not going to lie, when I saw headphones in the box I wasn’t too jazzed. I hate sticking things in my ears and I also don’t like feeling cut off from the world. These don’t go in your ears though, and they don’t sit on top of them either (something else I’ve always thought was uncomfortable.) The Trekz Air headphones are open ear headphones which means they deliver music through your cheekbones. They’re amazing; lightweight, super comfortable, great sound. I’m hooked! I never thought I could like headphone this much. I’ve really been digging these while on my daily walks with Klaus!

PS You can get $30 off your Trekz Air until June 30th with code KAYLAH30.

▴ Chesapeake Bay Candle: Mind & Body (in peace + tranquility.) I love candles. Period. If I’m home, there’s at least one burning. I’ve been through so many of them I consider myself a bit of a connoisseur so please don’t take it lightly when I say this one has worked it’s way into my top five. It smells so clean, and so fresh. I have it sitting on my desk beside me, the window is open blowing in a warm breeze and multiple times I’ve thought “goodness, the spring air smells so lovely” only to realize nope, that’s the candle! Soy wax blend candles, poured in the USA, infused with natural essential oils – what could be better!?

There are a handful of other scents from Chesapeake Bay’s Mind & Body line aaaand I think it goes without saying I need to try them all, especially since they’re so affordable.

▴ Pure Synergy: Organic Beet Juice Powder & Turmeric Extract. Jeff watched me as I opened this box and the second he saw the beet juce powder he was all “Oh man! Beet juice! So good for you!!!” Beet juice powder supports a healthy heart and circulatory system as well as healthy liver function. I’ve been putting a little bit in my orange juice each morning. It’s pretty darn tasty.

Tumeric Extract is great for great for after workout healing of inflamed muscles. It also helps with cognitive function and healthy digestion as well as a laundry list of other things. It comes in pill form so it’s been easy for me to remember to take it every day. Feels good to be proactive!

15% discount with code: PureSynergyPartner

 

Have you tried any of these items? I think my favorite have to be those headphones. Seriously such a smart + safe product to be able to listen to music while not making you oblivious to what’s going on around you.
xoxo

*Actually, I received a second box that I’ll be sharing more about on the blog in another week that was bridal themed. So clearly these two boxes put together are basically everything I need from here until the wedding!

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the little things

by Kaylah Stroup

Since the moment Klaus came into my life I’ve been sharing little updates on how he’s been getting along with the cats. Perhaps that’d be better worded as ‘how the cats are getting along with him.” He’s always wanted to be friends but Squid and Professor have been a little resistant. I thought maybe it’d take six months or a year but never did I think it’d take five years!

We’ve had tons of major progress since moving into this apartment at the beginning of 2017 though. Over the weekend we had a pretty awesome lil thing happen…

I walked into the living room from my office and spotted THIS beautiful sight. Jeff was sitting on the couch too but on the complete opposite site, not in contact with either animal. That makes this only the second time I’ve caught them cuddling alone and definitely the time with the most contact. My jaw dropped when I saw them. Jeff was instantly ‘What’s wrong? What happened?!’ ‘Look at THEM!’ I squeaked.

In the past Professor probably would have scurried away when I got out the camera and started taking photos of the two of them together but instead he stayed, and rolled around a bit. I nearly lost my mind when he stretched and put his tiny feet on Klaus’ back.

I am so in love with these two and their budding friendship. The cuddling was obviously cute but Klaus’ brand new red collar matching Professor’s red bowtie really took it over the top for me.

I can’t believe it’s taken SO long for this progress but I am HERE FOR IT.
xoxo

For more of life’s wonderful small moments, check out the tag ‘’it’s the little things‘
Cute photos from their last caught on camera cuddle session here.
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Friday Favorites #464

by Kaylah Stroup
This post contains affiliate links. For more information on what that means, read here.

A sweet little guide to the most popular varieties of cacti and succulents. It includes growing tips, information on propagation + how to deal with common problems!

(via Amazon)

Gah! This keychain is so sweet. You can get it customized with whatever you’d like it to say on the front as well as, obviously, your own photo. My first thought is definitely how great it’d be with our wedding date + photo!

(via CreateGiftLove)

How great does this candle sound? I bet it smells amazing!

(via Broken Top Candle Company)

Aren’t these tiny vases adorable?! I see so many little things I’d love to pick on my walks around the neighborhood, something like this would be perfect.

(via Wild Wattle Store)

Look at this pegboard!!

(via Little Anana)

TOO. DANG. CUTE.

(via Push Pushi)

Such fun earrings! Also from the same shop – this pair! Holy cow, cuuuute!

(via JillMakes)

Loving this adorable cat card!

(via The Dancing Cat)

Digging the shape of these sunglasses.

(via Modcloth)

Polka dot wrap dress? Yes, please!

(via Billabong)

Way into this purse/backpack combo!

(via Modcloth)

One of my faaaavorite artists, Erin Guido teamed up with Free Period Press to make the cutest guest book…ever! They’re currently running a Kickstarter to get them printed. It’s 100 pages with 20 unique designs repeated 5 times and boy, oh boy, are they cute!! It’d not only be great to have in your home but it’d also make a rad wedding guestbook. You can read more, see a bunch more photos + back the project here!

(via Kickstarter)

Link love…

Happy Friday!
xoxo

PS. I have a list of more rad finds here + they’re organized by color!!! I update one color per week to really help the list grow. This week – GREEN!

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five favorite corners of my home

by Kaylah Stroup

Inspiration for this post struck after snapping a photo of a corner of our living room that I really love. (Below!) I just adore this apartment. There are so many little areas that I can’t get enough of. If you follow me on instagram (@thedaintysquid) you might already be familiar with a lot of these spots because they’re ones I tend to photograph time and time again.

① I recently rearranged this corner and was instantly smitten! This medical man is one of my all-time best secondhand scores. I have never once, for even a second, considered giving him up but there have definitely been times where I’ve had trouble displaying him in a way that really showed off just what an awesome piece he is. The second I put him here, just to see what it would look like, I knew he was staying put.

That shot is basically a summary of everything I love about our living room. My favorite plant, the beautiful blue couch, taxidermy, and my medical man – all things that make our space unique & perfect for us! The only thing missing is a pet – I guarantee one was just out of frame though…

② Technically not all that far away from the shot above but a totally different view. Wherever my curiosity cabinet happens to be will always earn bonus points from me but I feel like I picked some really fun stuff for on top! And that little shelf of knick knacks above it? I’M OBSESSED. Jeff and I have lots of weird little odds and ends so having that style of shelf to display them on has been perfect. I’m able to rearrange all the time, there’s always things coming and going.

③  This view of my desk is one I really, really love. I think a lot of it has to do with that cactus neon lamp, my colorful keyboard, and of course, my wire memo board. (Still one of the easiest + best DIYs ever!) After arranging about seventy three times in this room I think I’ve finally found the perfect layout. My desk is on the shortest wall in the room which makes for the coziest workspace. I love being in here.

Just look how perfect it looks when it’s dark outside!

bird leg table!

④ The casually color organized books, that skull, the face planters, and goodness gracious, the bird leg table! This area has been one of my favorites since right after we moved in. It’s had more than a handful of different arrangements but the general idea has stayed the same – colorful books + plants.

Something I really enjoy about this view is the great evening lighting it gets. Those specks of light from the disco ball are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s usually major rainbows too! We normally don’t hang out in here until evening so it’s almost like it’s waiting on us to be it’s best.

⑤ Last but certainly not least, our kitchen table. Jeff and I went so long without having a table! Neither of us had one before we lived together either so it felt really special to purchase one together, even if it was just a tiny one. I love eating breakfast here, and dog watching while I work from my laptop. Slowly but surely it’s being taken over by plants, and that just makes me love it a little more. The way the sun shines in through that window means the room is almost always filled with rainbows or beautiful specks of light from my disco ball. It’s just lovely.

How about you – where are your favorite corners of your home & why?
xoxo

Check out more of my apartment

Two more favorite views – this one of the TV + the globes!

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mother’s day card round up!

by Kaylah Stroup
This post contains affiliate links. For more information on what that means, read here.

1. never too old 2. number 1 mother 3. y’orchid 4. best dog mom 5. dog in purse 6. sweetest mother-in-law 7. loved unconditionally 8. lucky to be your daughter 9. your favorite child 10. cat’s pajamas 11. a mom like no otter 12. best cat mama 13. best mistake you ever made 14. mama bear 15. sacrifices 16. plant mom 17. best mom in the history of the world 18. still needs her mom 19. well done, mom 20. happy mother’s day 21. best dang mom 22. opossum babies 23. great genes

Earlier this year, for Valentine’s Day, I rounded up a bunch of cards from awesome small businesses and I’m back to do it again for Mother’s Day! It’s coming up quick – Sunday, May 13th, in case you forgot! Luckily there’s still lots of time to find the perfect card. I love that there is literally a card for any type of mama you might be looking for! (Seriously, so many cat mom cards! I love it!)

PS. Check out the Mother’s Day landing page on Etsy for an actual ton of handmade gift ideas for alllll the mother figures in your life!

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abandoned industrial complex

by Kaylah Stroup

abandoned kitchen

Every time I think there’s nothing new to explore in this city we end up finding something wonderful. Most recently – this place!

My history with this building complex began around the time I moved to Cleveland. We were doing a lot of exploring, getting out nearly every weekend to take photos. This place was a suggestion from a friend but on the morning we showed up there was what appeared to be a realtor showing off the property. Obviously having anyone on the property while we wanted to explore would have caused us to stop and rethink our plans but a realtor, to me at least, meant that the buildings were in good enough shape to be sold and probably weren’t exactly as abandoned as we expected.

Four-ish year pass and I randomly thought of this place when brainstorming what we could do the following weekend. After scoping it out, we were positive it’d be doable.

Based on the decay, I’m going to assume it was in pretty rough shape four years ago as well but who knows! Whatever the case, I’m happy to finally have it under my belt. It easily ranks among my favorites for a handful of reasons. One huge one being that it was FULL of stuff. Empty abandoned buildings are fine and dandy but stuff left behind really makes a building for me. There were stacks of chairs, hundreds of bottle caps, miscellaneous household items, boxes upon boxes of files, and so much more.

flag in an abandoned building

It’s always exciting to get to explore something new, especially when no one in the group has been there before. The first building we entered wasn’t terribly interesting but things quickly started to look up after we popped into the second building. It was like every door we entered, and every corner we rounded had something that made at least one of us say “Oh my gosh!” (Usually me because I’m super easily amused…)

If I had shot more photos, I could have easily broken this down into multiple posts and no one would have ever guessed it was all the same place. Every section was so different from the last.

#theresalwaysachair

Before we had pulled away I was already saying ‘I’m ready to go back!’ There was just so much to see. It was hard to try to photograph it as well as I wanted while still also checking the place out for the very first time. Hopefully it won’t be another four years before we head back.
xoxo

If you haven’t gotten your fill of dilapidated buildings – check out the tag “abandoned” for more posts!
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