"Insta"nt Inspiration

Everyone has their favorite Instagram accounts. The ones where no matter what they post it's always beautiful, has a witty caption, and causes you to double tap almost out of necessity.

This week I've been on a roll putting all of my favorites (of anything) into a list. Here are my top accounts to inspire your weekend! (And while you're at it, follow me!)

@chateaugudanes: I love a good renovation and this one is the ultimate. It's basically an account dedicated to documenting on family working to restoration/cleanup a 17th century Chateau in the French countryside. It's really, really neat the things that they've been uncovering! History + DIY = Heaven.

@WomenIRL: ("women in real life") Monitored by the people of Real Simple magazine, this account is as real as it gets. No fancy staging and no fancy filters to be seen. It's mostly disasters that kids and pets get themselves into. Think: kids with markers all over them, wrecking the house--everything that actually happens in real life. It's a good laugh and always 100% real. 

@WhitV/HeartandArrowDesign: Ok so, technically two accounts...Whitney owns Heart and Arrow Design and recently redesigned my blog! I look to her for all inspiration. She just bought a store front for her store "Heart and Arrow" and I can't wait to see how she styles it! #girlboss

@SouthernWeddings: Of course a wedding account had to make it on the list, duh! Can you have more than one wedding? Because this account definitely makes me have all the feels and want to plan 5 different weddings.

@brightonkeller: My favorite thing about Brighton is that she's a fabulous fashionista, but stays grounded. She posts Bible verses and blurbs from devotionals she's reading and is very inspiring in her faith, as well as, her #ootd posts.

@carly: (The College Prepster) She's the first blogger I ever followed. She continues to be inspiration as her brand grows. Plus she lives in the greatest city ever and has the cutest puppy ever!

@thegrovestreetpress: I still have yet to visit the shop here in NOLA, but if you like stationery, things arranged neatly, and cute dogs, you'll love this account!

P.S. I'm always looking for new people to follow! What are your favorite accounts?

Lies my Instagram told Me

I've seen this around and think it's a fabulous idea to come clean. Yep, I've been lying to y'all.

You know what I'm talking about? No? 

Allow me to explain. No one, I repeat no one is as perfect as their Instagram makes them seem. I mean there's just no way. Not even me, I know, shocking.

Take this picture for instance.

What it looks like: Just three sisters (read BFFs) cruising on a yacht taking a moment for a photo op.

Outtake: Hair in the face, Carol mid fixing her hair.

What really happened: three sisters cruising on a yacht, yes. But we are hot and sweaty and anything but glamorous. It took about ten times to get everyone looking the same direction and for the picture to meet everyone's approval. Oh and we were starving. 

Or this one...

What it looks like: OMG Lilly and pretty name brand jewelry?!  In one picture? I just can't. This girl must really have it all figured out and is living the high life.

What is really happening: I barely have anything figured out and the high life is evading me with every rent check I have to write. oh and I wish I was a fashion blogger with all the pretty clothes given to me by designers for free. 

Next we have...

What it looks like: I'm ready to take on the day--bring it on. And who can resist chambray, iced coffee AND Jacks?! The trifecta.

What's really happening: I really need a personal photographer. Do you know how hard it was to take this picture? I literally took this picture 50x before I got it right and almost dropped my coffee. Plus I need the coffee to get through the day--otherwise I would be Miss cranky pants ALL DAY. 

There's always this gem...

What it looks like: #wewokeuplikethis 

Oh hey. Dysfunctional.

What really happened: Again 50 pictures (are you sensing a trend here) before we finally got a few decent ones to choose from. Add the right VSCO filter, adjust the saturation and brightness and BAM--gorgeous! 

What it looks like: My puppychild is the calmest sweetest thing ever and likes to pose for pictures. 

What really happened: "Laney look at mommy. Laneyyyy. Laneybug..look over here. Bugga look.at.me! Ok hold ittttt hold it..ugh Laney just stay still!!!!!" Eventually ending up with this cute picture.

I don't know about y'all, but I'm so glad I got that off of my chest. Thanks for understanding!