Will you be my...

V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E?

Who wouldn't love this gorgeous arrangement of flowers?
Don't they put the dozen-roses-with-babies-breath to shame?
Men of the world - take note!

Treats are nice for Valentine's Day, too.
This crate full of goodies would make anyone
feel warm & fuzzy...and hungry!


A coworker introduced me to the website "Olive & Cocoa".
These gifts are from the website.
They have really nice floral arrangements, gifts, etc.
which, I'm warning you, are not cheap.
At the very least, their gifts will inspire you.
I heart Valentine's Day.

Dream A Little Dream

I recently came across this home online that I absoutely LOVE.
The Monkey Cottage is located in Sun Valley, Utah.
This house is over the top. I keep looking at it in amazement.
I must share the photos...it is just gorgeous!
(For more photos, click on the Monkey Cottage link above.)

images via: www.alifesdesign.com

Chalk It Up

Chalkboards immediately remind me of elementary school...
The teacher at the front of the room having all the fun chalking it up.
As a kid, I remember being thrilled to "write on the board".
It was a privilege! (Or maybe I was just a nerdy little girl?)
Nonetheless, chalkboards are fun, especially for children.

I learned that chalk paint can transform any wall into a 'chalk wall'.
It would make a lot of sense for families...
Schedules, fun pictures and notes could be chalked up quickly.
Plus, it is a little playful and makes a house seem less serious
(as long as you're not chalking up equations or lesson plans)!

trend-dir.com

ohdeedoh.com

metropolitanhome.com

decorpad.com

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I love the bright ornaments in this colorful garland and wreath.

I wouldn't mind the beautiful dog in the photo either!
Happy Holidays to you!

www.amymeier.wordpress.com

Ornaments, Ornaments Everywhere!

I made this ornament wreath over the weekend following
the instructions from my previous post.
It was really simple and only took 30 minutes.
The trickiest part was re-twisting the hanger.
I did not glue the ornaments together but
I'm sure it would've helped...
As I was re-twisting the hanger, several fell to the floor
and I just glued those back together.

This is likely to be my one and only DIY project
for the holiday season.
I would much rather drink, eat and be merry!
I hope you and yours are enjoying this wonderful time of year!

Shiny and Sparkling

A bundle of pretty ornaments plus a hot glue gun and a wire hanger...

...make this!

photo: www.eddieross.com

Visit the blog of interior designer, Eddie Ross, to find out how to make this pretty wreath.

Tempting...

After waking up with a sore back, I am daydreaming
about soaking in a hot bath. In our next home, a deep bathtub
is going to be mandatory. Any of these would do.
(Not too shabby, right?)

photo: http://freshome.com/

This reminds me of my sister who loves an outdoor shower.
I'm sure she wouldn't mind relaxing in this!
photo: www.kositalia.com

photo: http://exquisite-design.com/

A White Christmas

Christmas is around the corner and
I'm really liking the "white christmas" idea

but I don't think I can divert from
the traditional green Christmas tree just yet...

I love this white fuzzy tree in the background.
And the lantern...I want the lantern!
www.squidoo.com

The brightly colored ornaments are fun and pretty.

www.apartmenttherapy.com

Beautiful.
www.countryliving.com

Colors, Colors Everywhere!

When I was engaged and planning my own wedding, I wanted the wedding to have a certain style reflective of our personalities. I had trouble, at first, putting together all of my ideas and it wasn't until we decided on a color palette that the ball really started rolling. Once you have colors in mind, you are free to pick flowers, table linens and plan all the fun details.
Remember, beauty is in the details!

I found a blog, "Color Collective" that focuses on one thing and one thing only: color pallettes. This is an amazing tool for those of you who are planning a big event and want it to look great. I wish this blog existed 4 years ago; I definitely would've been obsessed with it! "Color Collective" would also be helpful if you're redecorating your home, planning any type of party or just looking for inspiration for your own wardrobe.

Floored

Finding an area rug online is easy but finding one
that is less than $500 can be tricky.
These are over my price range but they are definitely pretty!

photos courtesy of www.anthropologie.com

Someday

I can see myself in this kitchen...

Design: James Radin
Photo: cotedetexas.blogspot.com/

Pumpkins & Power Tools

Drilling pumpkins is a lot easier (and more fun) than carving them!
I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

A Little Spray Paint Goes a Long Way

I love the idea of making 'something' out of nothing. If you are trying to stay within a budget (for a party, wedding, or any event) it helps to think outside the box. It doesn't get much simpler than purchasing mason jars at your local grocery store and spray painting the insides any color you choose to make a cute and colorful vase for flowers. Do you love it? I do!

photos: 100layercake.com/blog/