My absence from blogging, twitter, facebook and good-old-fashioned hanging out has been directly related to the amount of projects I have going on right now. I finally moved the rest of my possessions from Columbus to Philadelphia last weekend, but I’m still living in a pile of boxes and clothes as I make myself a new home.

Freelance has picked up and I find myself busier than ever, which is good, but I need a break, big time! I love when things kick into gear and Fall always seems to change things up, but I’m most excited to finally have a space that is mine, a home for all my patterned papers and paintbrushes and the oversized printer that is sitting on the floor right now. It will feel so good to finally make myself at home.

So please excuse this brief absence as some changes are happening. I’ll be back soon!

image via Lonny

The Fall always gets me in a nesting mood and with the chance to finally choose pieces that will stay in one place for more than a few years, I’ve begun my search for the perfect furniture and special vintage finds. These photos of Caitlyn’s Roost home really inspired me to go back to the simplicity of good design and beautiful finds and how a few pieces can make a room feel like home. (I love all of the birdcages!) I’m ready to go shopping now.

I’ve become highly addicted to Emily Henderson’s Secrets of a Stylist on HGTV. With a style diagnostic of each couple, she combines two styles that normally wouldn’t work well together to make something unique, tasteful and perfectly them. Emily uses lots of vintage stores and one of a kind pieces, which I love, and she also isn’t afraid of color. You can watch full episodes online or on HGTV on Saturday nights, and you can get inspiration in her portfolio. Now I’m taking this inspiration and running with it!