Clean, Cook, Create and Cuddle

This is my favorite, emphasis on FAVORITE time of year!  Everything about fall appeals to me and it only gets better.  But with the good comes the bad. Like too much of a good thing right?
  Well that is exactly my problem,  I love life and feel so passionate about so many things! So I end up running hard, September through November.
  With that said, I need some stress relief.  So what do I turn to? Bow making, cleaning and cooking! My youngest son Lucas is sick with Croup so I have to stick close to home.  As a result, I get to clean, cook, create and cuddle!
    So today, I dropped my 7 year old daughter at school and came home to stay.  I made Eggplant Parmesan for lunch and I am working on Chipotle Burgers for dinner.  In the rare occurrence that I am left home alone, I turn to my chick flicks.  In the lineup I have, Somethings Gotta Give, Because I said so,  It's Complicated and The Tourist.
  It's Complicated is playing in the background today.  I love the set of this movie!  It takes me to another place, gives me inspiration!
  Despite the fact that my baby is sick. I relish the  opportunity to care for him and cuddle with him.  I cannot wait for the rest of my family to get home so we can all settle in together for some quality time.

Girly Chic Cork Board

I have always loved a good cork board. Every corkboard I have owned has been  UGLY.  My husband always asks me whether I prefer utility or design(he really isn't asking, he is trying to lead me to the answer he wants to hear).  So let me be clear, DESIGN.  Utility is also very important, but if it is ugly I toss it. I decided to start looking for a chic little board. I found an amazing one at ballard.  The price was not so amazing $109-209.
  The one in the picture was a little too shabby chic for my daughters room, so I went on the hunt for a pewter frame.  Low and behold, I found one at TJ Maxx for $2! I also found another clearance frame so I would have a pair.  You always need things in multiples.  I then went to lowes and found some cheap cork and combined the too! This project took all of 20 minutes.
  What an impact it made in my little ones room.  Now she has a place for her art that does not involve tape and her wall!
*photo from http://www.celebrate-creativity.com/my_weblog/2009/01/stick-a-pin-in-it.html

Falling for Neutrals- Fall Inspiration 2011

When I am inspired by a color or scheme, it seems to translate in my house decor and my fashion choices.  I have really been feeling the Restoration Hardware and Serena and Lily Vibe.  I LOVE a good classic neutral.  I also LOVE infusing color appropriately.

Fall Neutrals

  If anyone knows me, they would know how much I love shoes.  I love to go further than the shoe and seek inspiration, a theme, a plan.  I have been loving neutral tones for some time now and have been on the hunt for some wardrobe updates.  It just so happens that I found both pairs in a weeks time.
  Both the flats and the heels will go great with a pair of skinny jeans, or rolled jeans and a light off the shoulder sweater. 
  This Serena and Lily Duvet caught my eye and really summed up the look I was going for. Although, I would add a pop of color here and there.

Glitz, Glam and Grandma's 50th Birthday

Tonight is a rare time where I get to sit down with a cup of decaf and a bit of chocolate.  The kids are in bed and the hubby is out!  These pictures came from an event my family had in honor  my mothers birthday. For 5 weeks my house became a little sweat shop, full of crystals, mercury vases, flower vases, black and white pictures, and tons of fresh flowers!
  50 is a milestone.  Some women are apprehensive about approaching 50, some dread it, many embrace it.  I wanted to make sure my mother fell in the last category.  She has aged with grace(no pun intended). I wanted to celebrate her life, past, present and future in style.  I thought long and hard, I wanted the event to be elegant, incorporating colors and theme's that were near and dear to her heart.
  The decorations were fun, and the guests truly blessed my mother and our family. Guitar playing has been a part of my mother's life since she was little.  We were able to hire a Flamenco player to come surprise my mom and  set the mood.
  The best part came when all the guests left and the entire family started pushing each other in the pool!
Happy Birthday Momma!  Cheers to 50 splendid years!
 
For those of you who want to know what I used here's the list: 24" sandblasted manzanita branches, fuchsia crystals, topiary place card holders(to hold pictures that spanned all 50 years), mercury candles, hydrangeas, black river rock, white lights and hanging paper lanterns to set the mood.

Let me know if you are looking to order these online. I would be happy to point you in the right direction.

Flowers for Great Grandma

I don't get out to see my grandma nearly enough, but I always think of her.  It is so important for my children to understand and appreciate their roots.  It is equally important for them to learn to honor their elders. I took some roses outside and combined them with part of  a bouquet I had bought at the store. The result was a small bouquet with a big impact.

Here and There

 Over the last 10 years I have started to discover my passions.  I especially enjoy entertaining and I love putting together a beautiful table.  Back when I had a boutique I figured all of my creative energy would be put into the displays and the ordering of the clothes.  When the boutique was sold in 2007 I was left with a ton of creative energy and no outlet!
    I have found ways to volunteer and use my creativity, I have enjoyed putting together themed parties and birthdays.  I love stationary and making invites to things.  I have always keep binders full of clear plastic sleeves.  Each page represents a theme or an inspriation that I have come across.