life outdoors

Thursday, 31 July 2014



Life is sweet...and kinda hectic. But I wouldn't have it any other way. With August coming tomorrow, I've been thinking about where exactly July went. It started in late June with our camping trip and every weekend since has been booked. I've visited new sites (Boston, Colonial Beach and Jamestown) and re-visited places (Harrisonburg and Yorktown), all while having good friends and family in tow.

This weekend I'm crossing my fingers to stay home and work on some house projects that have been on my mind since February, but sneak away for a little bit to get a few skydives. Hope you're enjoying every bit of this sweet, sweet summertime.

you can follow me on instagram @christinaprock

to wallpaper, or not to wallpaper?

Wednesday, 23 July 2014

I probably spend a good hour or two daydreaming about house projects (ripping out the upstairs carpet, building shelves out of wood slabs, painting the exterior to cover the termite treatment, painting the kitchen a deep indigo to name a few). As I slowly transition an upstairs bedroom from the 6 petals vintage studio to an actual bedroom, I'm trying to acquire a proper bedroom furniture and decor. Unfortunately, it's one thing to find these great pieces, but it's another skill to actually style it. Not easy.

Lately, so many beautiful wallpapers are popping up on design and interior blogs. I know it's trendy, but I can't help but want to slap some on our walls.


Some only covering certain areas, like just the back wall in that bedroom above. (After reading more about this wallpaper it has beautiful silver leaf detail that changes as it ages. I'm sold.) I really love the dark background and floral pattern below too.




Or, as an alternative, just some large scale artwork or textiles on the walls. I love that big number 8 (I'd look for a 6) and the colors in that mountain below.








photos credit:  1  |  2  |  3  and 4  |  5   6 and 7   8 and 9 and 10

colonial beach + a new addiction

Monday, 14 July 2014



A few months ago,  I signed up for my first (sprint) Triathlon. Jay signed up too, and it was his second. We've been training for each event and excited to see how we stacked up against others. We drove up to Colonial Beach on Friday evening and stayed with some great friends who were also planning on doing the race. Colonial Beach is on the Northern Neck, a small town and golf cart community with a whole lot of character.

It was a bright and early morning Saturday as we made our way to the event HQ to get ready for our early start times. It was such a learning experience for me about the transition areas, tri gear and the pre-race nerves. I read a ton of articles, but knew that going through the steps would be the biggest lesson.



I'll spare all the details, but it felt so great to run across that finish line. Having played sports through college, these days my work life is pretty sedentary Mon-Fri from 8-6pm. It's a necessary evil, which I'm sure some can relate to. With triathlons, I think I've found my newest addiction. Here's to many more swim/bike/runs! Plus, we can visit new towns and find some pretty cool things to do on our road trip. I didn't get many shots (all from the phone's camera because I can't seem to ever remember the actual camera) of Colonial Beach, but we had a few great stops along the way.

A lucky find: The Dog and Oyster Vineyard. Can't go wrong here – friendly dogs, delicious local oysters and tasty wine. It was the perfect pit stop for our Sunday drive home, and the owner/manager, Mark, really treated us well. We could have stayed here alllll day.


And of course a random antique store on the side of the country road. This one was an old two-story home with seven other buildings on the property, filled to the brim with antiques and architectural salvage. I left with an ice cream scoop.

artist spotlight // first landing woodworks

Wednesday, 9 July 2014



With Summer in full swing, that means tasty beers. The same goes for Fall, Winter and Spring too. I was lucky enough to meet Adam, one of the guys behind First Landing Woodworks, at a photoshoot a few months back. With my semi-new woodworking interest, I was immediately draw to this brand, and was excited to hear more about what he and his woodworking partner, Philip, were up to.


First Landing Woodwork’s mission is to provide high–quality products that are made with pride in the United States of America. We feel there needs to be attention paid to the products we use and those products should not be disposable, yet a quality heirloom piece that will last generations.
In addition to their signature walnut handles, they also use Maple, Bocote, Padauk and other hardwood...even the occasional antler! I love seeing the different wood grain shine through. It's awesome to have this kind of talent locally. 




Get your own bottle opener in their shop, or find them around Hampton Roads at a show or festival.

sophia amoruso

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

During an average work day, I spend too much time on the computer. Mostly designing in Photoshop, taking breaks to scroll through a few blogs and occasionally online shopping. Instead of shuffling through my Spotify stations, I'm opting for interviews, podcasts and videos. The latest interview I watched featured Nasty Gal's Sophia Amoruso. I'm reading #GIRLBOSS now, and I'm constantly impressed by her. Though I'm not even a fan of the clothes from the site, I admire her drive. She's genuine, logical and a total badass.


image via The Coveteur


work style

Wednesday, 2 July 2014

Most (week)days are the same. Shower, brush teeth, get dressed. That "get dressed" part is always a mystery. I totally fall into that stereotype of girl with lots of clothes and nothing to wear. I've been doing an okay job of donating clothes every few months, but the story is the same. This mostly applies to work. Like many, I have a desk job. Our office isn't too strict about business attire, so most of the time I can get away with pants and a nice-ish top. If I could afford it, I'd just stock up on Elizabeth Suzann basics, be comfortable and happy. In the meantime, these are the types of pieces I'm on the lookout for...





images via my style board on Pinterest
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