ღing this month | July

I am really excited about this series, only I've been so busy I haven't had time to really examine my month and all the goodness in it. ;) Originally I was going for ღing this week, but I seriously don't think I can keep up with it. Sooo, without further ado, here is the little spot where I ramble, gush, and fangirl. . .and you indulge and smile and try to look interested. :P

| creativity |

Because I am embracing my creative side with new vigor. Forgetting my perfectionism and just writing, even if the result isn't exactly how I envisioned it. Taking a break from novel-planning to work on some fanfic, spending hours at a time at the local coffee shop, sipping Americanos and typing rabidly. People, 2000 words a day isn't bad, and its fun too, since only I will see it, and I'm strengthening my skills. Also working a bit on improvising. I was trained classically in piano, so anything outside of strict theory is new and exciting. Music is a language, and I love it almost as much as words. I'm letting my brain get inspired in new ways this summer, and it is so freeing.

| anthropologie |

I'm in love. The other day me, my mom, and two of my sisters took a little window-shopping trip, and Anthro one of the stops. Its classy, edgy, rustic, elegant. . .all and everything clothing (and home decor!) should be. Like I said on my way out. . .now I just need to marry a rad doctor-guy who is handsome with a great sense of style. See? Easy fix. Then I'd have all the books, coffee, chocolate, plays, food, Anthropologie and Banana Republic clothes I need. :P Hey, you gotta let penniless girls dream a little. >halo<  Sadly had to leave my little ceramic-blue-and-white-mug-with-the-M-on-it behind at the store. Horrors.

| instagram | Fashion&Faith |

I haven't added many pictures yet, but I am now on Instagram! Click the icon below or in my sidebar at right to follow me, and I'll gladly return the favor. :) And don't forget, Quaintrelle is on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Blog Lovin', and Google+. I also am a member of the fashion community, Fashion and Faith.

 

| homemade cosmetics |

Just spent the evening concocting lipstain, eyeliner, and bronzer using all-natural minerals and spices. I'm really excited to share some recipes and results in an upcoming post! Also activated charcoal. . .the stuff is genius.

{sneak peak of my creations. sorry the photo is so blurry. hey, things don't need to look professional on instagram, right? ;) }

| The Hobbit trailer |

Oh my word. . .need I even say how stinkin' excited I am about the new Hobbit trailer?? Just. . .Richard Armitage. :P Been following the movies from the beginning, and I know a lot of you are just as thrilled about this final installment. Absolutely can't wait, and man does Pippin's song just make this trailer, or what?

 | vintage films |

I've never considered myself a huge vintage-junky, but recently my mom and I have been obsessed with movies from the 30's-40's. Think I should blame Bucky and Steve? I mean, look at them. Yeah. Me too. :P

We especially like Carol Lombard. (check out this free B&B movie site!) In fact, Mom and I huddled together bemoaning Carol's death just yesterday. :P Anywho, I think I can now officially say that I have a vintage icon. There was something so classy and naturally beautiful about women back then; strong but feminine. If only we could re-capture that art.

| Peter Hollens  |

Pretty sure my first introduction to the amazingly talented Peter Hollens was through his cover of Misty Mountain. Not only are his videos extremely entertaining, but they are always so creative and the guy can sing. I love the crisp clarity in his voice, and sometimes like his covers even more than the original song. So yeah, kinda a big fan. Also his family. Because he and his wife are adorable together, and they have a baby. I may or may not watch most of their vlogs.

{check out Peter's cover of I See Fire. Didn't care for the original, but his is breathtaking. Also Brave and I Won't Give Up.}

| belle |

So I wasn't sure if I was going to do a separate post or mention her here. . .but a wonderfully wonderful puppy came into my life once-upon-a-three-weeks-ago. :) Some of you may remember my dog Nick from my old blog, Rhapsody in Pink. He tragically died two years ago. . .and only recently have I gone on a the hunt for another dog. Well, after much searching and some totally God-orchestrated events, Belle entered my world. She is a bulldog/basset mix (a Designer Breed, not to be confused with a mutt,) or Bully Basset. I absolutely love her and am so, so pleased with the progress she's made so far. Half a month of hard-core training, and she already heels perfectly on walks. :) So, so blessed! We may have a future therapy dog on our hands, people!

And that concludes my top favs of July. What do you think? What to participate? I'm thinking of starting a monthly linkup, complete with a button so you can join in the fun. In the meantime. . .
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. . .leave a comment and tell me what you are ღing this month.