I have been really enjoying taking these little snapshots to remind me how many things there are to be thankful for!

1. Sun setting on our trip home from Arizona made pretty shadows.

2. Lovely flowering tree – sorry, you’re gonna keep seeing these til they’re gone.

3. Stopped at Trader Joe’s in Santa Fe and brought back something the cat loves – PAPER BAG!

4. A little outfit snap: Zara top, Target flats and Gap scarf.

5. My favorite veggie – steamed artichoke.

6. The clouds you can make shapes out of, those big white fluffy ones.

7. Pretty blue lights from the Jesus Culture event here in Colorado Springs.

8. Getting some sun…no complaints about the weather here this weekend, that’s for sure!

(Find me on instagram : @bellatheball)

Filed in:Life

I have a ridiculous blazer.

No, seriously.  I bought the thing from Zara on a whim when they first opened their online store back in September wondering if I would even be able to figure out a way to wear it.  You see, it is all kinds of striped and crazy bold colored.  With a blue button and hot pink lining.  I told you, ridiculous.

But now, it’s one of my very favorite things in my closet and I am SO glad I went out on a limb and took a chance!

So, if you have a ridiculous blazer in your closet (or if you need an excuse to need one) here are three ways to style such a blazer:

1. Dress it up for date night with a LBD, heels, gold jewelry and of course, a bold, red lip.

2. Wear it to work with some skinny jeans, pearls and leopard flats (this blazer plays seriously well with leopard).

3. Take it out on the weekends with a graphic tee, jean shorts and gladiators.

I have worn this thing so many times and it still surprises me that I can wear it at all!  Do you have anything in your closet that inspires and/or challenges you?

Filed in:Style
add a comment
  • Meghan JohnsonMay 1, 2012 - 4:21 am

    Love the style of this post (and love Zara… so, so much). Now I need to go find a ridiculous blazer of my own!ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzMay 1, 2012 - 9:53 am

      Right?! Zara is amazing – and a ridiculous blazer comes HIGHLY recommended 🙂ReplyCancel

I got the best surprise ever on our road trip last weekend (you may have a good guess if you follow me on twitter, or even if you read the title of this post!) – as we rounded a corner in the highway coming out of Payson, we were greeted with this AMAZING view:

I know I usually lean towards black and white – but how can you not try to tackle the color thing when you have this to work with?  I mean, this is the most vibrant Arizona ever gets – or at least as far as I have seen it! Pink, pink, pink.

Swoon! I love the spring for it’s rainbow explosion of flowers – autumn is the only season that could rival it in color, and it’s constantly a toss up in my book between which is my favorite.  Usually, I decide based on whichever one I’m closest to on the calendar.  Today, spring wins with flying colors (ha – sorry I couldn’t resist).

I have to give a little shout-out to my awesome husband too, as he was willing to take a 20 mile detour on our already 12 hour drive so that I could actually get to the flowers (they were all conveniently on the OTHER side of the divided highway, and as you can see from the photos, the two directions were not right next to each other by any means – nowhere in sight!).  He sure spoils me!

(Aside: balancing your camera on the roof of your car does not the best photo make, but hey, what are you gonna do?)

Dear Arizona, thanks for the brilliant show.

Filed in:Travel
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  • S. RochelleApril 20, 2012 - 12:52 am

    Every time you post photos from your travels it makes me long to get back to the southwest. Gorgeous shots and mad props to the hubby for being willing to take the detour!ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzApril 21, 2012 - 10:12 am

      Sometimes I get tired of it and want to experience far away lands – but I am learning to be grateful and appreciate where I am at – thank you so much for the lovely compliment 🙂ReplyCancel

    • HipsterApproved.netApril 30, 2012 - 1:10 pm

      Yes…very nice. Thanks!ReplyCancel

    • Helen Kabatoff HadikinMay 3, 2012 - 12:31 am

      Were you on highway 95. I know the Arizona flowers. I wish I had a digital camera then .ReplyCancel

      • Annabelle MintzMay 3, 2012 - 9:13 am

        We were on 87 (Beeline) south of Payson!

  • AbbiApril 26, 2012 - 7:33 am

    Definitely worth the detour!! Beautiful!!!ReplyCancel

  • Beautiful World: Phoenix « Beautiful GeometryApril 30, 2012 - 7:55 am

    […] and rainy and cold (again, relative) – but I do love a photo of a cloudy sky!  Plus, the flowers were still blooming so that made up for […]ReplyCancel

  • Mikalee ByermanApril 30, 2012 - 11:16 am

    Absolutely spectacular photos — love how wildflowers can totally transform a landscape. I live in northern Nevada, and often while traveling between here and Vegas or here and northern California, I’m completely overwhelmed by the vibrant vistas! 🙂ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzApril 30, 2012 - 1:47 pm

      it’s really amazing! especially since deserts can be so…brown 🙂 thanks!ReplyCancel

  • vanityrushApril 30, 2012 - 11:28 am

    Beautiful images from a beautiful world! I adore the last pink flower shot! Great work. Great talent =)ReplyCancel

  • Romantic Asian GuyApril 30, 2012 - 11:52 am

    Very nice adventure! I LOVE roadtrips and wildflowers, and it’s even better to do/see both at the same time lol. This is a GREAT time to see wildflowers especially. I just LOVE all those natural colors. They bring me peace:)ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzApril 30, 2012 - 1:49 pm

      Thanks! Wildflower season isn’t until much later here in Colorado – I think the altitude is to blame – so I was really happy to find some on our trip to AZ.ReplyCancel

  • Carlie ChewApril 30, 2012 - 11:58 am

    The cactus flowers are beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • emotionalsaladApril 30, 2012 - 12:00 pm

    Definitely worth a detour and must say you have a real good husband who let’s you take such detoursReplyCancel

  • princessepiggyApril 30, 2012 - 12:09 pm

    beautiful indeed!!!ReplyCancel

  • babso2youApril 30, 2012 - 12:21 pm

    Beautiful photos! There is one plant there in AZ that has a skinny green stalk and along the stalk are the brightest red flowers!ReplyCancel

  • magikdollsApril 30, 2012 - 12:35 pm

    AWESOMEReplyCancel

  • intergenerationalApril 30, 2012 - 12:57 pm

    Brilliant colors, interesting angles, great pictures!ReplyCancel

  • Cali TeixeiraApril 30, 2012 - 1:01 pm

    I love pink and flowers. beautifuuuuuul picsReplyCancel

  • Gilberto RivasApril 30, 2012 - 1:03 pm

    HERMOSOS PANORAMAS, TRANSMITEN LA ESENCIA DE DIOS.ReplyCancel

  • nickzantopApril 30, 2012 - 1:37 pm

    Great photos Annabelle! Wildflowers always make a trip much nicer. I’ve seen some fabulous ones heading north toward the Grand CanyonReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzApril 30, 2012 - 2:08 pm

      Ah, the Grand Canyon – it’s definitely on our summer list, I haven’t been in ages!ReplyCancel

  • Jason MinistriesApril 30, 2012 - 1:41 pm

    Nice pics. 🙂 I really enjoy images of the southwest. Thanks for posting. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • The Gates of LodoreApril 30, 2012 - 1:44 pm

    Penstemmon! I have those growing in my yard. Very nice. And that is a great highway to go for a drive.ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzApril 30, 2012 - 2:07 pm

      Definitely – it’s a long (and sometimes unexciting) drive from CO to AZ, but the Beeline is definitely one of the highlights.ReplyCancel

  • Aurora HSPApril 30, 2012 - 1:50 pm

    You did very well out of your car, amazing mini vacation for us. Beautiful! Thank you 🙂ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzApril 30, 2012 - 2:07 pm

      Thank you! We actually pulled over – this was too good to just drive by 🙂ReplyCancel

      • Aurora HSPApril 30, 2012 - 2:10 pm

        I can see why, great mental get away from the words for me, beautiful imagery, thanks again 🙂

  • CarrieApril 30, 2012 - 1:56 pm

    Really really nice photos!! Thanks sharing 🙂ReplyCancel

  • patriciakirschApril 30, 2012 - 2:36 pm

    I LOVE Arizona. Beautiful photos.ReplyCancel

  • mjacquelinemApril 30, 2012 - 2:36 pm

    Having recently moved from AZ the wildflower pics were a nice reminder of one of my favourite surpises in the desert – the flowers. Glad you stopped to savor it!ReplyCancel

  • Constance V. WaldenApril 30, 2012 - 2:56 pm

    Really nice photos. Thank you for sharing your trip. Connie
    http://7thandvine.wordpress.com/ReplyCancel

  • 4myskinApril 30, 2012 - 3:12 pm

    I love the cacti flowers! So pretty!ReplyCancel

  • BongoApril 30, 2012 - 3:30 pm

    The pinks have been really awesome this year.ReplyCancel

  • AquiOndeEuMoroApril 30, 2012 - 3:36 pm

    Uma belissima paisagem, congratulations.ReplyCancel

  • AquiOndeEuMoroApril 30, 2012 - 3:37 pm

    Uma belissima paisagem, parabénsReplyCancel

  • Keith MillerApril 30, 2012 - 4:35 pm

    Very beautiful photos! I hope to see more of your work as you continue to have even more exciting adventures!

    cc:KeithReplyCancel

  • sheryllbellmanApril 30, 2012 - 5:22 pm

    I grew up in Safford and I could actually smell the flowers! Very beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • home, garden, lifeApril 30, 2012 - 5:45 pm

    Congrats on FP! AZ flowers lovely. If you would like to see my Virginia flowers, please visit my blog/world and check out the left column of essays/photos. D.ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzMay 1, 2012 - 9:44 am

      Ah, spring in the east coast is so different from spring here – miss it a little bit sometimes. Thanks for sharing 🙂ReplyCancel

  • bentehaarstadApril 30, 2012 - 6:00 pm

    I don’t know these flowers, but I recognice beautiful spring when I see it, like in your nice photos.ReplyCancel

  • EricaApril 30, 2012 - 6:07 pm

    I visited Arizona in March and I’m returning in June… I’m so jealous I missed the color! Thank you for outstanding pictures (:ReplyCancel

  • AlyssaApril 30, 2012 - 7:26 pm

    Yes, the view is breathtaking. These are beautiful pictures and I love your shots of the flowers. Cheers to you! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • thirdeyemomApril 30, 2012 - 7:34 pm

    Really beautiful pictures! My parents live in Tucson thus I’ve been going there for over 18 years now. I love this time of year! I love the flowering cacti but must admit I’ve never taken a drive and saw wildflowers. Where in Arizona were you driving? Wonderful post!ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzMay 1, 2012 - 9:46 am

      We were on the Beeline driving into Phoenix – we rounded a bend in the road outside of Payson and they totally surprised us – I think I actually audibly gasped! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • triptrackerApril 30, 2012 - 7:53 pm

    We have visited Arizona quite a bit on our travels but never in the spring during the blooming season. This would be great to view but I bet it only lasts for a short time.ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzMay 1, 2012 - 9:46 am

      My husband is from there originally and he says it’s maybe only two weeks at its peek – we got really lucky!ReplyCancel

  • theebonygirlApril 30, 2012 - 8:08 pm

    Love the pictures and this blogg i wanna live there one day…..ReplyCancel

  • ClaudiaApril 30, 2012 - 8:23 pm

    Nice photos! I moved to Arizona in December of last year and am totally digging the spring here. It’s completely different than the Northwester US, where I’m from.ReplyCancel

  • Tasmin SkyeApril 30, 2012 - 8:27 pm

    I just moved to Arkansas from Arizona. I have always hated the desert. I didn’t think I missed it until I saw your post. Thanks for the reminder! It does have a certain charm.ReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzMay 1, 2012 - 9:49 am

      Spring is definitely my favorite time there – summers can get a bit ridiculous! But I love that everywhere you go has its unique pros and cons 🙂ReplyCancel

      • Tasmin SkyeMay 3, 2012 - 4:17 pm

        That is so true! I love, love, love all the greenery here in Arkansas.. but I might kill myself with this humidity! Pros and cons.

  • cravesadventureApril 30, 2012 - 8:51 pm

    Beautiful photos – Congrats on being FP!ReplyCancel

  • newnessmusicMay 1, 2012 - 12:50 am

    Love the shots!ReplyCancel

  • lincoln300May 1, 2012 - 5:11 am

    If you don’t tell us that it’s taken near the roads, no one can tell either. The close-ups look great!ReplyCancel

  • ManojMay 1, 2012 - 6:21 am

    Thanks guys for taking that detour and snapping these great photos.ReplyCancel

  • Sarah D.May 1, 2012 - 8:09 am

    The first time I went to AZ to visit my parents, when they’d just moved there in 1987, the desert was in bloom. I hadn’t expected it and was completely knocked off my feet by the beauty. Thanks for the memorie!ReplyCancel

  • Pedro Alvarez FotografíaMay 1, 2012 - 8:30 am

    Unas imagenes preciosas!!!ReplyCancel

  • pnwauthorMay 1, 2012 - 10:17 am

    Ah, the painted desert, on my list of must-sees. Beautiful photographs–glad you went with the color instead of b/w for this post.ReplyCancel

  • A Little Tour « Beautiful GeometryMay 1, 2012 - 10:22 am

    […] had a handful (ok, maybe more) of new visitors to the site in the last day thanks to the feature of this post on Freshly Pressed (Thanks, WordPress!) so I thought I’d put together a little navigational […]ReplyCancel

  • jensineMay 1, 2012 - 12:59 pm

    Never been to Arizona but must say it looks stunning and so unlike Ireland (where I live) maybe I’ll be able to see it for myself one day. For the meantime thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures.ReplyCancel

  • blogoriginatorMay 1, 2012 - 1:58 pm

    Good job on the photos in your travel! Good shots tooReplyCancel

  • Stitch Mode BloggerMay 1, 2012 - 2:56 pm

    Great photography you have! Keep it up! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • miltongomesMay 1, 2012 - 5:06 pm

    I loved your pictures.ReplyCancel

  • ditchthebunMay 1, 2012 - 5:53 pm

    My hubby was offered a role in Phoenix, we desperately wanted to take it, but the timing was not good as I was in my last year of a Uni degree and had just scored my dream job myself. In some ways we regret not making the move overseas, but it worked out for the best because the company was sold and broken up 9 months later.
    Pictures like this bring back that regret. We would still dearly love to spend some time living in America! Just beautifulReplyCancel

  • rastellyMay 1, 2012 - 6:39 pm

    …. and the flower would be it’s offering
    of love to the desert, and the desert is so
    dry and lonely, that all the critters there
    appriciate the effort . . .

    Lyrics to the Kimya Dawson, song –
    “Tree Hugger”ReplyCancel

  • AnnemarieMay 1, 2012 - 6:48 pm

    Loved your post. I live in Tucson and this is my favorite season. Thanks for the inspiration.
    Come back soon.ReplyCancel

  • 2012anewyearandanewmeMay 1, 2012 - 6:57 pm

    Love your photos! i was surprised at the beauty of the desert plants. We really enjoy the scenery out there. Good photos. We live in central Texas and we have the most gorgeous displays of wildflowers here. Its always a treat to drive in the spring time and see what is out.ReplyCancel

  • forksandsporksMay 1, 2012 - 7:34 pm

    how lovely. I am originally from west Texas and I must say this made me miss my beautiful desert scape! How inspiring that such beauty can thrive in such harsh conditions.ReplyCancel

  • phoenixafterdarkMay 1, 2012 - 8:24 pm

    Ohhh….Arizona…how I miss it… I lived there for 6 months only but I loved it and your beautiful pictures reminded me of my great time there…thank you.ReplyCancel

  • ShereeMay 1, 2012 - 8:33 pm

    Thanks for sharing these photos with the rest of us. My uncle and cousin used to travel to Arizona every spring to see the flowers. They loved the colors and the beauty there at that time of year.ReplyCancel

  • SusanMay 1, 2012 - 8:46 pm

    Great flowers. Would like to put them in my wild drawings.
    http://www.susanmedyn.comReplyCancel

  • VictoriaMay 1, 2012 - 8:57 pm

    Beautiful photos! I just moved from the Southwest. Spring is always a pleasant surprise in the desert…it truly can be beautiful. A nice share!ReplyCancel

  • Nahed OmerMay 1, 2012 - 9:01 pm

    Nice pictures.

    Thank u for sharing them with us.ReplyCancel

  • Richard McCargarMay 1, 2012 - 10:47 pm

    Wonderful photos. For a time, I lived in the Mojave, and now I miss it…ReplyCancel

  • Iya SantosMay 2, 2012 - 3:12 am

    a nice addition to an already nice landscape! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Saudi Prices BlogMay 2, 2012 - 5:26 am

    Good job, Nice PicsReplyCancel

  • The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel TowerMay 2, 2012 - 7:47 am

    beautiful pictures 😀 keep posting!ReplyCancel

  • LoiMay 2, 2012 - 8:07 am

    We spent the weekend Rv’ing in The Verde Vallely & discovered the deep ‘Pink Flowers’ (and other wildflowers) along Clear Creek. Your photos captured the beauty of the Arizona High Desert spring.ReplyCancel

  • ashaldaronMay 2, 2012 - 10:05 am

    I love living here in Arizona. My family and friends back home think the desert is just brown. They seem unwilling to understand how beautiful it is.ReplyCancel

  • Godly & CraftyMay 2, 2012 - 11:14 am

    Beautiful pictures! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • juanitaburlew55May 2, 2012 - 11:27 am

    Very Nice! I lived in Tucson for a while, loved the trips into the country/desert
    to see all the gorgeous flowers and watch for road-runners!! Ocotillo cactus was one of my faves, out near San Javier Del Bac mission…Thanks for the memories… 🙂ReplyCancel

  • jennysserendipityMay 2, 2012 - 11:47 am

    A beautiful detour!ReplyCancel

  • whenyinzersromeMay 2, 2012 - 12:49 pm

    Beautiful pictures – the desert really is beautiful this time of year! When I lived there, I couldn’t wait for all of the flowers to come up – so gorgeous!ReplyCancel

  • ricobelMay 2, 2012 - 3:27 pm

    Beautiful pictures! Thanks! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Brenda VisserMay 2, 2012 - 5:35 pm

    These photos make me want to jump in my car and go for a roadtrip!ReplyCancel

  • terriblethinkerMay 2, 2012 - 5:38 pm

    This is so so Gorgeous. Indescribably beautiful. Thanks for sharing with the world. And just would like to inform you, i have nominated you for a sunshine award.

    Thanks and looking forward to more beautiful pictures..ReplyCancel

  • allybabaMay 2, 2012 - 6:09 pm

    gorgeous! Arizona is an underrated treasure! Love my homestate <3ReplyCancel

  • righteousbruin9May 2, 2012 - 8:42 pm

    Great to see Payson, and the wildflowers, being promoted on WP! I have lived in Arizona, for the most part, since 1978, and am now in Prescott. Our town is a great place for B & W photography, so come on up when you get a chance.ReplyCancel

  • Dearisa Muhlisiani PutriMay 2, 2012 - 9:55 pm

    love it! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Texas RamblerMay 2, 2012 - 10:20 pm

    My wife and I love wildflowers and we always try to plan a trip in the spring to see the wildflowers. We need to plan one for Arizona. Thanks for the post and great pictures.ReplyCancel

  • SimplySageMay 2, 2012 - 10:50 pm

    I lived in Arizona many years ago. Brings back memories. Very nice pics!ReplyCancel

  • Let's Get It Cooking!May 3, 2012 - 7:11 pm

    Gorgeous wildflower! Would love to use some of these flowers for my cocktail garnishes!ReplyCancel

  • beechwoodportraitsMay 4, 2012 - 10:39 am

    What brilliant images, it’s fantastic when you stumble onto something that really inspires you isn’t it! Congrats on FP xReplyCancel

  • FourMay 15, 2012 - 9:36 pm

    Great I like ^^ReplyCancel

http://www.promisetangemanblog.com/business-2/idea-makers-using-your-creativity-to-its-full-potential

Image by Promise Tangeman

This is another post I read recently that has really stuck with me – we are responsible for our own ideas!  A lot of times I find myself staring at the computer wanting to come up with creative ideas, and I forget that the best way to find inspiration is to get away from the screen and my hands dirty.

If you’re planning to take a DIY approach to your business, website, or marketing materials, start with an old fashion pen and paper. Move to the computer after you have some solid concepts to bring to life. – Promise Tangeman

She’s a graphic/web designer, but I think this really applies to all forms of creative work.  Developing and using your imagination is so important.  Become an idea maker instead of sticking to what you know and are comfortable with – this is such a great reminder.  Especially where I’m at right now, trying to learn new computer programs (seems like there is SO much to learn, right?) and stretch myself.  Head over to her blog and read this post – it’s got some great insight.

What helps you when you’re feeling stuck?

Filed in:Inspiration
add a comment
  • Meghan JohnsonMay 1, 2012 - 4:41 am

    Thank you so much for introducing me to Promise Tangeman and her inspiring blog! I’m always looking for new motivational nudges in the right direction.

    As for me, I actually do just what Promise recommends: I step away from the computer and write like a fiend on a piece of printer paper. Writing is typically my creative outlet of choice, but I tend to include drawings, shapes, arrows, emphasis, even color when I draft things out on paper (which just shows me that awfully linear word processors are NOT cutting it for me in the idea-making stage). Sometimes the tools we use affect our idea-making in a negative way, unfortunately.

    – MeghanReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzMay 1, 2012 - 9:53 am

      Thanks Meghan – she is definitely one of my favorites 🙂 glad you were inspired!ReplyCancel

  • thebeautybotaneerMay 1, 2012 - 5:33 pm

    I’ve just come across your blog – your images are truly beautiful and inspiring – especially the floral ones! Allowing a moment of peace and reflection in a crazy fast world. Kind of serendipity that I came across your blog, as I attended a Flower Geometry talk in London – awesome – it explodes your world view and your concept of nature ;-). Happy days!
    thanks – Tanya, London, UKReplyCancel

    • Annabelle MintzMay 1, 2012 - 9:18 pm

      Flower Geometry! That sounds fascinating! so glad you’ve enjoyed my posts 🙂ReplyCancel

So thankful for the weekend away with my love, today we’re driving home so here are some pretty things from our trip!

1. My favorite: an old-fashioned cake doughnut with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.

2. The open road – another favorite.

3. Rockin’ this post in real life.

4. Love this guy, yes I do.

5. Cabellas: part camping store, part tourist attraction.

6. Yeah, was really upset with this weather – in the 90s all last and next week, in the 60s while we’re in town?  Conspiracy.

7. Found some lovelies on my run – also, oxygen is my favorite.

8. Happen to hit the two-week desert spring; blooming things make me happy!

–

(Find me on instagram : @bellatheball)

Filed in:Life
add a comment
  • stephanielane2012April 16, 2012 - 6:58 am

    Annabelle,
    Love the photos and the commentary too 🙂 You are a true champion of the bright side. You posts are so fun! Thanks for sharingReplyCancel

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