My daily routine {or lack thereof}

Ok, I will be honest with you, I struggle with establishing a daily "routine".  I have tried a few different patterns and schedules this year and nothing seems to stick.

One thing I tried earlier this year was waking up in the morning with Justin and making my schedule the same as his.  I thought this was perfect, we will wake up together, gain an extra 30 minutes or so to spend together in the mornings, work the same hours and then at night we will go to bed at the same time.  That sounds wonderful, but let me say this, for 26 years I have never been a morning person. ever.  Waking up between 5-6 am {sometimes earlier} did not enhance my mood, motivation or inspiration.  Yes it was nice to see my hubby in the morning before he went in to work, but was that really the best schedule for me?  I gained an extra 30 minutes with him every morning but my days were spent tired, uninspired, dragging and not as productive.  So, I switched over to my somewhat sort-of schedule I currently have.  It's crazy and unorganized, but oddly I think it is working for me.  I still have family time with Justin when he gets home from work and on the weekends, but I stay up late and accomplish much more in the night time than early morning hours.  Sometimes I get a little carried away and find myself still sewing or writing until 1-2 am.

Some of my favorite daily things:

Miley loves hanging out the window!

Ice cream sundae.  Deeeeeelish!

• My kiss bye from Justin every morning

• Seeing Stanlee when I wake up.  I don't think anyone has ever been as excited to see me as much as Stanlee is every single morning <3

• Taking the dogs for a drive, usually we are running to the post office.

• Hearing Justin come through the door after work.  This is a very exciting time for everyone.  I smile, Stanlee barks and Miley jumps as high as she can.

• Time spent with my sewing machine

• Eating something sweet, preferably ice cream or chocolate.  Yes, this is a daily thing that I need...

One thing Maggie from Gussy Sews mentioned in her prompt was how amazing it is to see people's different lifestyles, personalities, relationships, careers.  What do you include in your everyday?  Do you have a specific routine that works great for you?  I am still discovering mine!

{Inspiration Workshop #9} - The Beach, Hawaii Day Dreaming

Source: stumbleupon.com via Shelley on Pinterest

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Karen on Pinterest

Source: artsonearth.com via Caroline on Pinterest

This weeks inspiration topic from Gussy Sews: 

The Beach


There is something about Hawaii that I long for.  Something about the rocky shores, crystal clear water, white sand, colorful sunsets, waterfalls, volcanos, and outdoor adventure is calling my name.
When I see these photos, I feel relaxed, inspired and in awe of God's beautiful earth....and I can't imagine the feeling of seeing this in person.  Someday :)

{Inspiration Workshop #8} - My Inspiration: Color

Source: weddingwindow.com via Lila on Pinterest

Source: aquavitaedesign.com via Barbs on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Maggie on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Citrus etsy treasury

Recently I have felt Inspired by color.   Yellow, dirty lime green and orange are some of my current favorites.  Today I did a little fabric shopping for new pillows and found some beautiful printed fabrics that incorporated at least one of these citrus colors.  This week I also created a treasury on etsy showcasing some items in this color scheme.  Aren't these colors just lovely!?

{Inspiration Linky Party #7} - Sunshine

Some of my favorite memories involve summer months playing outside in the sunshine.  When I think about summer and sunshine, I think about spending lots of time with family, playing with our dogs, vacations, our wedding anniversary, swimming and Sharkey family cookouts.   

Taking my brother, mom, dad and stanlee kayaking for their first time!

 Miley loves it and is a little adventurous....

 Poor Stanlee did not enjoy his first time kayaking.

 One of my favorite photos. ever.  Jumping into the pool with Justin, some of his siblings and his dad!

On vacation with my momma in St. Petersburg, FL

Dolphins swimming beside our boat!

I was so nervous to feed them!  Can you see the fish in mid air!?

Our dogs love the sun!  Miley (on the right) would spend every minute outside if she could and if they are inside, the like to sunbath by the sliding doors.

{Inspiration Linky Party} - Pamper Yourself

It is time for another week of Gussy Sews inspiration link up party!  This week, our topic is: 

pamper yourself!


My day of pampering would start with a Starbucks caramel latte (the real deal, no skinny drinks on a pampering day!)

Source: starbucks.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Next, I would make a stop at Virtue Salon in Columbus and get a hair cut from Sarah...or if I am feeling really fun that day, maybe a chunky bang cut! 

Salon side

New Barber Side - Notice Abbey's painting!!

You can see more pictures of the salon and stylists on their facebook page.
Photos by Eli Bros. Photography.

After visiting Virtue, I would take a very short drive down the street, grab North Star Cafe lunch and then go fabric shopping at the cutest fabric store.  ever.

Sew To Speak <3

Source: sewtospeakshoppe.com via Michelle on Pinterest

The only thing to complete a day like this would be to spend the evening with my girlfriends in Columbus and our husbands and chat, giggle and reminisce all evening.  

Lucky for me, I get to spend the long weekend in Columbus with friends pampering Aubrey for her upcoming wedding! :) :) :)

more on this coming soon...

How would you spend the day pampering yourself!?

{Inspiration Linky Party #5} - The Perfect Bathroom

Today marks week 5 of Gussy Sews inspiration link up party!

I am sad to say that last week I did not participate in the link up party {major bummer}.  Last week was spent settling in to our new place and preparing for visitors and time just seemed to slip away.  I guess this just means I am even more excited for the linky party today!  ;)


This weeks prompt: the perfect bathroom


OH MY!  I saw this first photo and it was love at first sight!  Who knew you could experience love at first sight with a picture of a bathroom?!  The citrus walls and the stand alone tub, the rug, curtains, natural lighting, off white woodwork... love  <3

Source: google.com via Michelle on Pinterest

                                                             Source: google.com via Michelle on Pinterest

                                                                     Source: google.com via Michelle on Pinterest

To complete my perfect bathroom, I would have fresh cut hydrangea in a little vase resting on the vanity.  I don't think any flower makes me smile the way hydrangeas do :)

What's your "perfect bathroom"?!

{Inspiration Linky Party #3} - Green

It's week 3 of Gussy Sews inspiration link up party!  Last week bloggers linked up with gussy to share their dream kitchen.  I saw so many bright and beautiful kitchens!  If you are looking for inspiration on how to remodel your own kitchen, take a look at gussy's post!  You can view my dream kitchen filled with the color red and ice cream here!

This week the topic is:  GREEN

This could be interpreted by color, recycling, plants - however you want!  I decided to try and include the color and environmentally friendly ideas for weddings since it is wedding season and I used to work at a bridal salon for 2 years.  Here is my interpretation of this weeks post! 

Wedding favor/table conversation starter

Outdoor wedding reception

Thank you message from bride and groom

green reception table

Wedding invitation printed on yellow birch wood

Green Bridal Gown

Green Bridal Shoes

Rustic Wedding Cake

You can click on the gussy sews inspiration workshop button on the right toolbar of my blog to participate in gussys inspiration party!

You can also view these photos on Pinterest

{Inspiration Linky Party #2} - Kitchens

It's week two of the Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop Link Party!  Last week bloggers linked up with Gussy Sews to share their favorite handmade items.  I wrote about a handmade mug and homemade tea, and while looking through other blogs link up posts, I found NS Pottery.  Natalie is behind the etsy shop NS Pottery and she has many beautiful handmade pieces.  She is also a local artist!  I will definitely be purchasing a piece from her in the near future!

This weeks prompt is: Kitchens.  

Do you have a dream kitchen?  Is there a theme or color scheme you love about your kitchen?  Well, the past 7 years I have rented, so I am sad to say I have never had anything close to a "dream" kitchen, but I am sure it would look pretty close to this photo!  What is it about red that makes it the {perfect} kitchen color?!  I love the bold use of color, tons of cabinet space, and the mix of wood, stainless steel, and black.  

Red Kitchen

What would I add to this kitchen?!

One of my favorite things to eat is ice cream.  I remember so many nights in college when my roommates and I would gather in the kitchen and just grab spoons, chocolate sauce and dig in to the carton of ice cream.  While thinking about the items I would put in my beautiful kitchen above, I found these handmade items on etsy that scream - ICE CREAM! 

Ice Cream Love

Tea Towel

Boston Terrier Ice Cream Magnet - 

Could there be a more perfect image that screams Michelle Sharkey?!  Ice cream AND boston terriers!! <3

Colorful Ice Cream Bowls

Yep.  This is my dream kitchen!

{Inspiration Linky Party #1} - Everything Handmade

A couple months ago I found Gussy Sews, and let me tell you, she is *AMAZING* to say the least!  Gussy Sews is a woman that makes all things ruffles and has a very strong brand identity, fan following and creative community behind her.  You must check out her blog!  She is full of encouragement and inspiration!

Speaking of inspiration, she decided to start a link- up part with her blog called Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop.  Each week she will send a newsletter with that weeks prompt, and then her fans/followers/creative community will blog about the post topic and link it to her blog.  So what does this mean?  LOTS & LOTS of really cool and very talented bloggers, crafters, and artists will be linking their interpretation of that weeks prompt for all to see!  Let me tell you, I CAN'T WAIT!!

So, now that we get the idea behind the linky party, let's get started!  The first Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop topic is Everything Handmade.  This was pretty hard for me because I have so many handmade items from friends, etsy purchases and family members.  I decided to pick something recently handmade from one of my best friends and an item my husband l.o.v.e.s and picked out himself at a Columbus art festival:

Justin purchased this mug last fall at the Columbus Art Festival from a woman selling all kinds of beautiful handmade pottery.  This particular mug was designed for a pig festival she did earlier in the year and she had some left over and brought them to the art festival.  Justin couldn't pass up the "manly" mug that he proudly uses whenever company is over.  And when he is not around, it is secretly one of my all time favorite mugs too!

next:

For my birthday this past April, my lovely friend Aubrey mailed a beautiful little mug and her own tea blend.  This year I have been on a bit of a tea kick so it was a perfect gift!  Aubrey is too cute.  This is what her tasty tea label read:

This uplifting tea blend is named after the inspiring spirit of my personal favorite icon, Audrey Hepburn. The calming effects of peppermint will ease any feelings of anxiety or depression.  Fragments of organic vanilla bean increase your levels of adrenaline and give your mood a boost.

And it is all packaged in a little mason jar with a hand stamped linen lid.  HOW CUTE IS SHE!?!

If you want to participate in Gussy's Inspiration Workshop, click on her button on the right side column underneath my LBF button.