DIY Bracelets

The days are getting noticeably shorter and the mornings, chillier; it’s hard to deny that autumn is upon us. As soon as fall hits I get a burst of creativity and I start filling an arsenal of DIY projects for the months ahead.

This past summer I had fun crafting these hex nut bracelets (Emilie, that reminds me I still have one for you). Via Pinterest, I’ve stumbled upon a few other bracelet DIY guides that I’d like to try. What do you think?


braided hex nut bracelet. (I've mastered this one & I love how they look stacked with a couple other bracelets or bangles).


wrap bracelet. (this one looks relatively easy and it's a fun way to add a pop of colour to a neutral outfit).


macrame square knot string hex nut bracelet. (who knew hex nuts could be so versatile? honestly).


woven chain bracelet. (how to re-purpose your large link jewelery. I love it).



I love these tutorials and I think these bracelets would make sweet birthday or holiday gifts for girlfriends, not to mention the fact that they are both cost effective and easy to mail. It’s a win-win-win, if you ask me.

What activities are you filling your cozy fall evenings with? Do you get extra creative this time of year, too?




(photos 1, 2, and 4 courtesy of Honestly WTF…, photo 3 courtesy of Mini-eco all found via Pinterest).

welcome, autumn.

Oh autumn, I always forget how much I love you until the air becomes crisp + I have to put on a sweater + I begin to drink tea 4 or more times a day. What a perfect season.

This weekend I am cleaning house (literally and figuratively) and crafting. I'm 100% addicted to brush script (c/o script school) and I can't wait to share some of my work.

What are you up to, friends? If you need something fun to do, why don't you make a fall wreath or make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich or reflect on your favourite cold weather rituals?

What is your favourite thing about autumn?



(Image courtesy of Real Simple via Pinterest).

The Civil Wars

At some point tonight I stumbled upon this post and then played this song and then this song and then this song. And then I bought the album.

And now I'm smitten.

These two are a younger, sexier, edgier version of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss and I'm picking up what they're putting down. Raw vocals, simple acoustics, and harmonies that give me goosebumps.

The Civil Wars: meet your newest fan.






(Discovered via sho & tell).

A Lovely Swedish Wedding.

The amazing Jonas Peterson has done it again. The manner by which he captured this amazing Swedish wedding resonates with me. So much so that I'm quite sure I dreamed about it last night (and so wedding brain begins...)

I love the neutral colour palette this couple chose as it complements the landscape brilliantly. Their "first look" from across the water gave me goosebumps. How utterly romantic. There is truly something to be said about a simple, personalized, wedding.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the world would be a better place if North America adopted a Scandinavian lifestyle.




(Photography by Jonas Peterson via Once Wed).

we're getting hitched!

Apologies for being MIA. My excuses? A fantastic holiday to Oregon (more to come on this subject) and an exciting proposal (much more to come on this one). That's right, Ben and I are engaged. We're in the process of letting this all sink in and bask in the excitement + love + awesomeness that is all around us.

I promise, I have an arsenal of posts that will be surfacing shortly. Until then... Happy Monday, friends.



(photos courtesy of the fantastic b&w booth at Ace Hotel, Portland).

In case you were wondering:
a. yes, I am excited about my ring
b. yes, that's our dog in the first strip, and
c. yes, Bauer was allowed in the booth. I asked.

Sam & Brock tie the knot.

Sam & Brock were married September 4 on a beautifully sunny Vancouver day. It was a fantastic celebration full of endless laughs, a few tears, and many memories, new & old. B & I feel so lucky that these two wonderful people are in our lives and that we were asked to share in their wedding day, one we won't soon forget.

Wishing you a life of happiness (& many, many, NYE parties shared with friends). Big Love.




(Photos via Instagram).

For the Love of Long Weekends...

The day has come. Little Star and I are en route to Vancouver to be serenaded by Ray LaMontagne. To prep for the magic that is to come tonight, I'm playing this song on repeat. One of his oldest; one of my favourites. This one's for you, Matty...

Also, I must confess that I have been an an unorganized blogger as of late; I have no scheduled posts while B and I are away in Oregon. le sigh. In the event you want to follow the chaotic chaos that is my life, why don't you follow me on twitter or like me on facebook. What the hell, I'm on Instagram, too! (@courtneystarheim)

September is full of amazing things. Just.You.Wait.

Happy Friday, friends.