what i'm lovin' - wedding week blog crawl

It's Friday!! Which means it's the day for what i'm lovin'.  Today's what i'm lovin' will be devoted to weddings.  I'm participating in a blog crawl set up by Danielle over at Breakfast At Toast.  Isn't this such a great idea?  Since today is the Royal Wedding, bloggers who are participating will be posting something wedding inspired on each of their blogs.  So keep reading to see what I've decided to inspire you all with!! ~~~~

I'd like to share with you ideas on alternatives to wedding cake or it can be combined with the cake tradition.  Most of the time, well... maybe all of the time, guests don't really eat the cake.  So instead of having a huge wedding cake to cut, why not cut a smaller cake (for the memorable pictures of course) and have something delicious and beautiful for your guests to enjoy.

BUFFET OF SWEET TREATS

Having a sweet and delicious buffet will be such an indulgent treat for the guests.  The possibilities are endless, and the wedding couple can get so creative with what they'd like to include.  They can treat their guests to a variety of pastries and desserts showcased on cake stands, an ice cream bar --- aaahh... who doesn't love ice cream?!, or a lollipop bar filled with all kinds of different lolli's in flavors and colors.

GOURMET CHEESE BUFFET

This type of buffet will be perfect at a winery, since wine and cheese go hand in hand.  While sipping on their favorite wine, guests can enjoy a variety of gourmet cheese, breads, crackers and fruits - apples, pears, and grapes.  The display is beautiful here as well, with the use of cake stands and domes.

For those wedding couples who still want a traditional wedding cake, it can still be included in the buffet.  Simply stunning!!

**Here are some ideas for those that want to stir away from the style of buffet or traditional wedding cake.  

INDIVIDUAL TREATS

INDIVIDUAL TREATS

Every guest can have their own sweet treat.  They can be served sorbet made to look like a 3-tier wedding cake, glazed doughnuts or a souffle.  My favorite is the cotton candy! 

Images courtesy of:

martha stewart 

alden blair events 

austin wedding blog 

eat drink chic 

The months ahead call for bridal or baby showers, festive birthday parties, or even a night in with the girls.  Whatever the occasion, eye catching elements with whimsical shapes and pops of color make any party more fun.  If you're planning a party or know someone who is, you must visit Shop Sweet Lulu, they have the cutest party supply items on their site.  Happy Partying!!

a. petitie treat stands

b. tissue garland

c. glass bottles

d. 36" round balloons

e. cupcake liners

a home for the mouse

A mouse pad is a much needed essential for all of us.  We are always at the computer, I am as I type this and you are as you read this.  I was in need of a mouse pad, but not no ordinary ugly one.  I did a quick search on the web, and found nothing.  So, I then turned to etsy and found an awesome shop.  Kim's shop is called Gilmore Creations, and you can go here to check it out.  Kim has soooo many cute mouse pads, really - you have to see for yourself.  The best part is, is that they end up being such a great accessory piece to the office.

How cute was her presentation?  After opening the packaging it arrived in, I had the pleasure of this.  What a great way to show that she appreciates her products and of course, her customer.

Here it is, my new mouse pad.  I l.o.v.e. it!! I went with the black and white, so sleek.  The pattern also matched a couple desk accessories. (you can kind of see at the top right corner)

a few DIY pieces

First off, sorry that I don't have any tutorial pics of my DIY pieces.  They were not hard to produce, so I don't think we need them.  The husband helped a little, but I mostly did them myself.  Hope these pictures inspire you to go buy a can of spray paint or maybe plan a little trip to Michael's.  I'm no DIY pro, so these are great for beginners, like me...

This is my current spring door wreath.  I was at Target and saw a wreath, but it was $30.00 - for a wreath... I said forget it, I'll make one myself.  So I headed on over to Michael's and Lowes.  

What did I purchase?

Michael's: a brown wreath, yellow ranunculuses, and white flowers. (Be sure you don't forget to bring your Micheal's coupon - they always have one out).

Lowes: a can of light yellow spray paint.  

What did I do?

I spray painted the wreath with a couple of coats, then just waited for it to dry.  Once it was completely dry, I just hot glued the flowers onto the wreath.  

Both the art and the headboard are DIY pieces.  

First with the headboard... A friend of the hubby's had an old head board, which was originally for a California King bed.  The bed in the guest bedroom is a full.  The hubby just cut off the sides and now it fits.  It was an old black/silver color, so we got a couple of can's of flat brown spray paint.  A few coats later, it's like new.

Now with the art.  Guess what??.... it's fabric!!  I just bought a frame and a piece of fabric that caught my eye.  Soooo easy, right?  The best part is, is that you can always change it out.  Whenever your in the mood for something new, you can just swap out the fabric with another print.

yummy wedding favors

Weddings are days filled with so much love, happiness, and joy.  I loved my wedding day, as well as EVERY wedding I've attended.  After just finishing up my wedding page, I guess I've been in the wedding mood... so I thought why not feature something that's wedding inspired.  
Finding the perfect wedding favor for your guests is hard - well, I found it to be.  To help the brides out there, I found some amazing and inspirational ideas.  They not only look beautiful, but are most likely not too bad on the palette either.  If I could go back, I think I would have an edible wedding favor.  But not your typical favor like mints or those jordan almonds, or a chocolate chip cookie.  These below are just fabulous and so creative.  L.O.V.E.

a. raspberry vodka

b. honey and granola

c. cheese and crackers

d. herb infused olive oil

I love all the ideas above, but am totally crazed for the macaroons!! 

So dreamy!!

 [image via google]

Not your ordinary egg

Happy Easter.

[all eggs via google images]

what i'm lovin' - earth day edition

Since today is Earth Day, I thought I'd dedicate this week's what i'm lovin' to reusable totes.  I seriously am an avid reusable tote person... so I guess you can call me a bag lady!!  I keep them in my car and grab them before I head into the local grocery store, target, whole foods, the mall.... anywhere!  They are great and so much easier to carry everything.  Mostly all of the stores sell their own branded (and sometimes not the cutest) reusable totes, buuu....t.... there are so many totes that are cute and trendy.  I've found a few for you, so please, if you don't have any of these totes, try to purchase one or two today and start using them, at least since it's Earth Day and all.

 1: Envirosax Origami Shopper ~ Joy

2: Pink & Brown Recycle Vintage Reusable Tote Bag

3: Envirosax Origami Shopper ~ Petals

4: Animal Print

sunny day wedges

Beautiful sunny days, call for BeAuTiFuL wedges.  Since the sunny season is just beginning, there are so so many gorgeous wedges out there.  Every girl should have a pair of these versatile beauties.  They can be worn with shorts, long or short dresses, skirts - they are a must have in the closet.  Plus, they never go out of style! Wedges have been worn season after season.
Have you purchased your sunny day wedges yet?

[free people]

[nordstrom]

Calling all dog lovers

Since the days of summer are heading our way, it means days to the beach, boating out on the lake or river, outdoor walks on trails, or visits to the dog park.  For those of you who have a friendly, furry friend with short, thin hair; white or light hair; or white and pink skin, you need to protect them with sunscreen.  Not just any type of sunscreen, but a special formulated sunscreen made especially for dogs.  I ordered this for Mike last summer and it works!  His nose really gets burnt, so we had to get him something - call me crazy, but no I think I'm just a GOOD doggy mom.
It's from Epi-Pet and you can go here to check it out.  Really people, you need to protect your doggies!

 {via epi-pet}

Just to make you smile... or laugh, here's a picture of Mike when we took him to the beach for the very first time when he was a puppy.  He is not the best swimmer, so we got him a doggy life jacket to wear for when he was in the waves.
Since we started taking him to the beach ever since he was a puppy, he is now a beach bum.  I'm telling you, he LOVES the beach!!

how dreamy

I saw this on apartment therapy and had to post it asap.  Raise your hand if you want a backyard like this.  I think everyone's hands are raised.

old... to new

I'm so proud to reveal to you all today my printer desk/table revival. (it probably was used as a bed side table in it's old life, but now in it's new life it's going in the office).  I went to my local Salvation Army store and found this piece that needed an uplift.  It instantly caught my eye, why you ask? Well, I saw the scalloped edges and the curves of the legs, I knew it could be something good.
Here is a picture of the desk before...

And here it is now...

Isn't paint the best thing ever - it works wonders!! There were a few dings and scratches in the piece, so I did a little sanding.  Then I used spray primer before putting on the coats of white paint.  I love how it turned out, it's functional and ended up being really beautiful.  The best part is, was the price. I got the piece for only $20.00!!

I also made my no sew curtains and got my white parsons desk.  Still waiting on a few more things before I do my office reveal, but I wanted to show you my latest find. 

A new page

Hey everyone!  I added a new page to my blog titled, "My Wedding Day."  If you look in the left hand column, you'll find it there.  Hope you enjoy it!

Stylish Picnic Essentials

Who knew that Waverly has teamed up with Hefty to bring us stylish paper plates, cups, and napkins?  These items will add to any picnic perfectly.  I first came across these items when looking through my Sunday paper coupons - out of all places.  (In case your wondering, I found them in yesterday's paper)

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Depending on your picnic style, whether it be more romantic filled with wine, cheese, and fruits or it may be more fun and playful.  In either case, these baskets will add to the event.  World Market has these two below, which are great.

{images via}

Last, but not least, don't forget the picnic blanket! The blanket also comes in multicolor and gray/yellow.  The best part of the blanket, is that it rolls up and has a handle. So easy!

 {image via}

So since it's Monday, go gather your stylish picnic essentials and plan for a day out at the park or maybe even a beach picnic for this upcoming weekend? 

what i'm lovin'

So as I start to get into the swing of the world of blogging, I decided that it would be fun to have a day to showcase, "what i'm lovin'" and what  better day  to have it on. Yes, Friday! So from here on out, every Friday will be "what i'm lovin'" day.  It can showcase anything that I l.o.v.e., lust after (since there are many, many items out there in the world with hefty $$$ symbols), or anything I want, so, so bad!!
Let's kick it off with a gorgeous outfit that I found here. The entire ensemble is to die for! And it currently falls into the "what i'm lovin'" category.

Take me away

If you have never checked out Jonathan Adler's website, you must go there now, or maybe after you read my post!  His creations are amazing and drool worthy.  Anything your home will need (or want), it will be there, waiting for you to click and buy. 
I instantly adored his pieces that inspired travel.  Since I haven't went on an international trip in awhile, I could go vicariously through his pieces. 
Pure Bliss.

 Take me to London

Take me to St. Tropez

Jet Set Coasters - let's go!

A few of my favorites... and what I want to try...

I love makeup and all aspects of it.  I love putting it on, getting it put on by a makeup artist, buying it, and testing products out. Makeup falls into the girl's best friend category, which also includes clothes, shoes, bags.... and more!
My makeup bag contains various products, which are all from different brands; probably like most of you out there. My list can go on and on, so I'll just show you the basic essentials that every girl should have in their makeup bag, and a few products that I'm wanting to try out.  I would love to hear what your favorites are...

My favorite basic essentials:

Foundation: Lancome Photogenic Lumessence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Powder: Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish 

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Blush: NARS

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Mascara: Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies

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Eyeshadow: MAC

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Products I'm wanting to try:

Foundation Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish

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Concealer: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage

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Bold

BOLD = striking or conspicuous to the eye; flashy; showy.

I love boldness in the home. Everything just speaks to you when one walks into a room.  It can be showcased through a striking paint color on the wall, art prints, pillows, accessories, furniture... really, if you think about it, the possibilities are endless.  Here are a few inspirational pieces for you, but are you willing to be BOLD?

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Reese + Pink Bridal Gowns + Inspiration

Do you think that Reese Witherspoon has created a new wedding frenzy with her pink bridal gown?  Not sure, but i L.O.V.E. this...

... and would wear it in a heart beat.

{image via}

girl-on-the-go

Easy, effortless, and chic is what this madewell dress is all about.  What makes it so unique is the zip-back and no one can go wrong with the nautical stripes.  Pair this dress with ballet flats or flip flops for a laid back look.  The dress comes in two colors, so cute for the girl on the go!