to start off this week’s inspired – a compilation of the best free fonts of 2012. who doesn’t love a good, free font?

my morning routine is a fairly new column on bon appetit featuring celebrities and how they take their coffee, among other routinely things. mornings are my favorite time of the day. i love breakfast. and i love jonathan adler. this column was made for me.

i have an impossibly hard time saying no. i’m a people pleaser and i’ve always been terrified of hurting anyone’s feelings. but when you’re freelancing and working a full-time job, there comes a point where you just have to be able to say no to some things. “saying no means saying yes to something else” – this is a great read about recognizing your limits.

i recently came across some short instructional videos on calligraphy. is that not the most hypnotizing art form to watch? the videos were posted on the blog of sean mccabe, an incredibly talented hand lettering artist. i spent an embarrassing amount of time flipping through his portfolio this week.

this is such a brave and real post. as an introvert, it’s comforting and relatable. and for the extroverts, it opens up the possibility to understand how to love the introverts in your life in the best way. while we’re on the topic, if you haven’t watched this ted talk, you should.

these jimmy marble banners have been around for a while, but i came across his etsy shop this week and noticed his shop description read, “i hope you’re having the best day of your life.” this guy is spreading happiness with his work and i dig that.

i discovered this gold mine of resources. icons, textures, fonts, coding frameworks, all in one place!

you’re probably familiar with a blog about love. while they touch on many topics and struggles i’m not personally able to identify with, the act of loving others is universal and can be applied to any relationship. i’m so thankful someone linked to this audio on twitter of mara and danny discussing the importance of chosing love and being stable in your reactions.

i’ve spent the past few days enjoying all this snow from inside my apartment, but i plan on making my way outdoors in the next few days to experience what may be the last snow of the season. happy weekend to you. stay warm!

february snuck right up on me.

january has been a whirlwind of emotions, mostly good ones. i’ve actively been searching for inspiration this year due to some changes i want for my life in the upcoming months. i’ve recognized in 2013 that if i want big things to happen, i have to work on an equally big scale. i interviewed someone yesterday who was originally from the southwest and mentioned that she loved it here so much because midwest people are the nicest and are always willing to help. while that’s definitely true (i may be a bit biased), it got me thinking about the blogging community. i love being part of a group of talented men and women who genuinely encourage and help one another. i mean, isn’t it the greatest?

a few things that lit a spark in me this week:

a gorgeous print by oh my deer + pennyweight

sprucing up some projects for my portfolio – some of my work was lost in the tragic external drive wipe, so it’s been frustrating but also a fun challenge to be able to create and recreate this week.

one of my favorite instagrams and now blogs, paris in four months

bre is a rockstar and posted this awesome tutorial for making the most out of your facebook page. it may finally be time for ftlod to head to facebook.

i’ve never attended alt, but megan wrote a beautiful post that resonated with me and so many others. the clarity she brings to such subjects through her writing continues to amaze me.

the beginning really is that hardest part, isn’t it?

a collection of logos from stitch design co. – their work blows my mind in the best way.

a blog dedicated to spaces adorned with ikea goodies. yes, please!

rebecca atwood’s new site design by small shop and zoe rooney is pretty gorgeous, no?

a find myself drawn to pattern for inspiration lately. especially tribal prints.

what do you guys think of vine? i’m a little torn about the new platform as i am super awkward on camera. but there are several people that i have really enjoyed following this week. it’s fun to finally hear the voices + see the personalities of friends you’ve only met through email and blog posts.

i’ve found a lot of inspiration in getting out with friends and going new places. i feel so grateful to call some great ladies my friends and to live in a place with so much to offer. this photo was taken at party arty this past weekend.

happy friday to you!