…By Wonderful Graffiti!

I love chocolate.  I also love weddings!  So I was excited when I found out that just in time for fall, Wonderful Graffiti Weddings has come out with their new Chocolate Collection!

Sweet, contemporary and fun!  This collection would be especially great for for those of you planning a fall wedding.  I just adore the luminaries!  The banners are sweet too - it really creates a great “brand” for your event. 

Above are a only a few of the great products to this new collection…but there are many more!  To see the entire collection, go HERE.

…Turned DIY Event Decor!

My husband and I are currently looking for ways to decorate our bedroom walls.  When I saw this idea from Pink Grapefruit Style, I thought, what a fun, easy and affordable idea!  I think I might just have to try this for our room - I’ll let you know how it goes. 

Of course, I can’t see something creative without thinking of how one could incorporate it into wedding as event decor, so dream with me a bit here…

According to Holly from Pink Grapefruit Style, all you need to create these lovely pieces of art is 12×12 scrapbook paper, glue and foam board.  See her instructions HERE.  SUPER easy, right?!

Super affordable is what I really love about them.  So picture making these for your wedding or other event you might be soon hosting, only do it a little differently! 

Put 12×12 scrapbook paper on both sides of the foam board instead of just one.  Cut a little slit in the top of the board, and run a a long piece of ribbon through it.  Tie the ribbon around the slit.  Add different embellishments to each one if you wish or leave them plain with just the design of the paper.

Then, hang these decorative squares from the ceiling at your event!  Hang them above the dance floor, or just low above the tables.  You could even make small 4×4 squares, and hang them in the entryway!  Now picture this art twirling in the air in a festive way, knowing that YOU created it.  Way cool.

Thank you Holly for the inspiration!  To read the post about her wall art idea, head on over to her cheerful blog, Pink Grapefruit Style.  Happy crafting!

 Create Fabulous Items Out Of Those Old Bridesmaid Dresses!

I’m sure many of us have collected at least a few dresses from standing up in our friends’ weddings.  Chances are, many of us really won’t ever “totally wear them again”!  

At the same time, these dresses have sentimental value…so do we really want to throw them out or give them away?  If you really can’t bare the thought of getting rid of your old bridesmaid dresses, it’s ok, because there are SO many fabulous things you could create out of them!

 Each of these lovely items were created out of fabric which came from old bridesmaid dresses.  You can learn how to create these items and more with pictures and instructions over at My Style’s 21 Day Wedding Party!

Also be sure to check out other great articles and ideas at:

www.mystyle.com!

…With Yummy Smelling Cupcake Soaps and Candles!

A new cupcake shop just opened, lovies - but you won’t find a bakery inside!   Handmade with love, these soy wax cupcake candles offer a great smelling burn.  Each is individually poured and crafted, no two are alike!

Everyone loves cupcakes!

Serve these lil’ cupcakes up to guests at your bridal shower as unique favors or game prizes, by purchasing them HERE.  They’ll be a hit, but just a warning: be prepared to answer questions like, “Oh my, this cupcake smells sooooo good, where did you find these?”!

Go ahead, share the “recipe” and tell them www.reallchic.com!

Thank you, Jenn Sbranti & Chambord!

Last week I attended the “Hip Hostess/Chambord Event” at The Ivy Room in Chicago, hosted by our favorite hostess Jenn Sbranti, founder and editor-in-chief of Hostess With The Mostess!

While there, she shared with us creative and affordable ideas for stylish summer entertaining.  For a tropical themed get-together, she taught us how to create a zen-like experience for a more contemporary feel.

Tips included using tropical items - such as palm leaves to line the inside of glass bowls, coconut cups, orchids, river rocks, zen gardens and paper lanterns. 

Jenn also suggested using tiki torches and candlelight to set the mood, along with vibrant colors.

For those who don’t enjoy slaving in the kitchen on a hot summer day (the oven heats up the house too much, ya know?), she made us feel ok about keeping it simple and ordering in, having it catered, or picking up pre-made trays from your grocery store.  Nobody will know it wasn’t you that cooked all that yummy food!

During the event, we were served amazing Chambord cocktails including the French Martini, Chambord Mojito, Chambord Patio, Rasberry Cheesecake Martini and Chambord Kir Royale. 

We then were spoiled with the drink recipes, including a recipe for Chambord Berry Sorbet by the Chambord mixologist who showed off a bit of his talent in front of everyone.  You should have heard the “oooohs and aaaaaaahs” from the crowd as he made each drink!  It was hilarious, we all sounded like a big ol’ Chambord CHOIR!

After Jenn was done sharing her fabulous party tips and the Chambord mixologist stopped mixing,  I was so happy to be able to meet and talk a little with Jenn!  Everyone, she truly is as beautiful as her site is, and super sweet too!  The poor girl had to catch an early flight out of Chicago the next day, so we let her finish up, but wow, what a great time we had!

So thank you, Jenn Sbranti!  It was a pleasure to meet you, hope to see you in Chicago again soon!  Next time, you’ll have to try Chicago pizza at The Oven Grinder.  Then YOU will be the one “ooohing and aaaaahing”!  For everyone else, check out the HWTM Blog and Hostess With The Mostess to see the rest of what Jenn shared with us, and happy planning!  -Jaime

By the way…If you love Jenn’s super cute dress, you’re in luck!  She shared with us where she got it!  Find it HERE!

P.S.  We tried some super tasty hors devours while at the Hip Hostess/Chambord Event, so a quickie on my favorite: 

Red Grapes rolled in honey-infused goat cheese and then rolled in crushed pistachios.  The caterer called them “Red Grape Truffles”.  They were catered in from Blue Plate. Try it!  Serve with toothpicks and display on a pretty plate.  They were serving them at the event and were soooo delicious!

UPDATE:  Jenn mentioned she’d try to figure out the exact recipe with the quantities for us if they’ll inform her.  She said she’d post it on the blog if she can get ahold of it, so keep checking the HWTM Blog!

…Stunning Accessories For The Bride And Her Big Day!

Darling dearests, if you haven’t visited the luxurious Vivre yet, you need to head over there now!  This oh-so -fabulous shop offers everything you’ll need to get ready in style for the big day!

  From jewelry, handbags, shoes, and clothing to home, entertaining items and decor you’ll sit there for hours trying to decide on your favorites!  To get you started and give you a little preview, I’ve compiled a few of my personal favorites.  Enjoy!

And ooooh the shoooooes…

 Indulge yourself in oooh-la-laaas!  Visit www.vivre.com now to find these items and more.

…I Now Eat.

Don’t you just love this beaded flower napkin ring from Crate & Barrel?  I could see this being used at a bridal shower, to dress up the tables a bit.  Afterwards, they could be saved and given to the bride for her new home!

 Love it?  Get it now at www.crateandbarrel.com, for only $2.95 each!

…And You’ll Never Lose Me.

What a great gift idea for the newlyweds!  These His & Hers Keyholders will hold their keys in on spot so they never lose them, or take the wrong set.   

 It’s good for couples to start out their lives together organized.  Nobody wants to settle into married life screaming, “Aaauugh!  Where the heck are my keys?!”.  Right?

Modern Decor.

Picture this at your wedding to set a cozy atmosphere or even for your home. 

Reveal by Adam Frank…this light fixture creates the illusion of natural sunlight streaming in through a double window and onto an interior wall.  When the air flows through the projector, it even makes the branches look like they’re swaying in the breeze!

 Gotta have it?  Find it HERE.

This cozy chair by designer Tokujiin Yoshioka will make you feel as though you’re embraced in a field of flowers with petals everywhere.

 Find out more about this chair HERE.

I Can’t Stop Looking At Pretty Things…Help!

You’ve had those days, right?  Where you’re completely overwhelmed with beautiful inspiration and you just can’t stop looking?  I do that here.  Sometimes I need to remind myself to lay off the caffiene and step away.  But today, I’m just enjoying it.  Like a dreamy, partly sunny day!

Now take a look at this beauty I just found…you’ll see what I mean!

The Deco Detective

Enjoy!

…By Marc Jacobs!

So your bridesmaids have done a lot for you up to this point, including throwing you a fabulous shower, so why not thank them with these gold and glamorous accessories inspired by the new Marc Jacobs fragrance?

Choose from the vanity case, brush set, beauty case, candle collection, pretty pouch trio or the soap trio delight!  Each is sold for less than $100, and your girls will love you for it!

Hook them up now at Sephora.com!

Stamps By Impress!

If you’re a DIY bride looking to find some great stamps, you must check out Impress.  They have a wide selection of stylish stamps for your wedding and other special occasions too! 

So get stamping.  Create your own invites, programs and thank you notes.  Decorate other accessories for your wedding such as table covers, card boxes, favor boxes and tags.  Get creative!

www.impressrubberstamps.com

…Stamped Table Decor!

This tablescape from Undecorsecree.com got me thinking of how easy & fun it could be to decorate your tables with stamps!  What a cost effective idea, for the bride on a budget who still craves style!

Notice the butterflies…

Instead of investing in expensive tablecloths for your reception, head on over to your local craft store, pick out some really cool stamps and colored ink pads to go with your wedding theme, and stamp away onto paper table covers! 

Instant style.  Instant savings.

…With Accessories By Anna Whitford!

If you’re looking to find little ways to add special details to your wedding, check out this collection by designer Anna Whitford. 

Designs by Anna Whitford can be customized to match the colors of your wedding.  I simply adore the flower corsages, wouldn’t they be so sweet wrapped around your bridesmaids’ wrists?  The ring pillows are also very stylish!

Purchase flower ties to wrap around chairs, curtains, card boxes or other structures.  Add soft sophistication to your lounge-style event with floral-accented pillows - then enjoy them even after the wedding at home!

Get excited over these floral accessories at www.annawhitford.com!  To convert to dollars from pounds, click here.

Sets The Stage For A Classy “Old Hollywood” Style Wedding!

Clutch by Nelle Handbags and cake found over at the Bellissima Vita Wedding Blog.  The Josepha Tray by iBride from Burke Decor is beautiful.  I could see that tray in the ladies room along with soap, perfume, hairspray, etc…with a note for guests at the wedding to help themselves if needed. 

Curtain decor idea found at Jackie Blue Home.  That gorgeous bouquet found at Elements Of Style!  My love for black and white weddings?  Found a little over 5 years ago when I married my wonderful husband.

Emily Anderson, Author of Eco-Chic Weddings, Gains Yet Another Fan!

After meeting Emily Anderson, one of the wedding bloggers & author of the book “Eco-Chic Weddings” at Monday’s wedding blogger luncheon hosted by Brides.com, I thought it was cool to see that her book was featured on IDoSugar today! 

Casasugar is planning her wedding and found Emily’s book to be quite helpful.  She mentioned she’s trying to plan her wedding “as DIY and green as possible”, so this book is definitely perfect for her!  Congratulations on your engagement, Casasugar!  And Emily, it was such an honor to meet you at the wedding blogger luncheon!  All the best to both of you!

To read CasaSugar’s blog post about Eco-Chic Weddings, go to: www.idosugar.com!

To check out Emily Anderson’s blog, go to www.ecochicweddings.com!

Have A Wedding Or Shower Coming Up?

Get your favorite couple the sweetest gifts from The Merry Martini!  Getting married?  If you love this shop as much as I think you will, why not register here?  They offer a very easy gift registry program along with wonderful customer service.  Check it out!

This fabulous Pewter & Pearl Gift Set includes a lovely cake stand which comes with different mini accents to attach to it, allowing you to enjoy it year round. 

Accents include a wedding cake, a bird, pumpkins and a tree!  Adorable!

Why not add a little bit of love in with your yummy recipes?  Sentimental and charming, these measuring spoons also come with a hook to hang them with, so they are easily accessible.  Besides, they’re too cute to put away in a drawer!

For the hostess, this Customized Party Set will make any party stylish!  It comes with a flower vase, a party tray and party tub.  Choose from several different patterns or make them all the same.  This would also be perfect for those throwing a bridal shower!

Shopping at The Merry Martini?  Don’t forget to check out their delicious martini recipe! 

Serve at the bachelorette party, bridal showers, or make it your signature wedding cocktail to serve to guests on the big day!  Cheers!

www.themerrymartini.com

Lace Tape!

Check out this fun and super sophisticated lace tape by Boiler Design Office!  Offered in black or white lace print, it’s sure to charm! 

Just imagine the possibilities for this fabulous product!  Use it to decorate gift boxes, tables, picture frames, water bottles, vases, scrapbook pages, photo albums, cards, furniture, or anything you can your sticky little fingers on!

I’m thinking this would be awesome to use for a bachelorette party.  Wrap that fabulous lace lingerie you bought for the bride up in a box decorated with lace tape.   Create sexy lace theme for the party and decorate everything with lace and lace tape! 

Not feeling racey but still feeling lacey?  Use the white printed lace tape for a victorian style “high tea” bridal shower!  I could even see this to dress up clear square plastic plates and cups!  Pick up some doilies to go along with it, and you’re set!

No matter what, you’re sure to find something fun to decorate with this lace tape.  Get yours now at www.oboiler.com!

Personalize Your Tables With Placetile Designs!

Owner and designer Kristin Bowen, of Placetile Designs, decided to do something different for her wedding reception.  She created her own erasable ceramic placecards!  Turns out the guests loved them so much they were stealing eachother’s!

Since then, Kristin has created an entire line of erasable ceramic placecards, tableware and gifts for the home.

Choose from the Nature, Vineyard, Timeless, A La Mode, Cosmopolitan and Holiday Collections to add fresh, stylish and unique personalization to any event!  They’re even great for the home!

Use them as placecards, table numbers, favors, or to label that fabulous food or candy buffet you’re setting up!  

Create signs, menu boards, to do lists, whatever your little heart desires.  Fall brides, how perfect would these maple leaf placetile/napkin holders be for your wedding!?

There’s an endless list of ideas…so get inspired!   Check out the collections now at www.placetile.com.

Planning A Wedding Or Hosting A Party?  I’ve Got Two Words For You…Luna Bazaar!

Luna Bazaar welcomes you to decor heaven with fabulous product in every color imaginable! 

They have a huge collection of gifts too.  How sweet are these Kimono Silk Coin Purses, for only $3.00?!

Think “bridesmaid gift idea“!

This shop offers several diffferent design and color themes, along with plenty of ideas to inspire you.

You’ll find exactly what you need to create the perfect atmosphere for entertaining!

 The best part?  You get to save some money, honey!  Not only do they offer beautiful product, but Luna Bazaar is also extremely affordable!  

You’ll have to see for yourself!  Go to www.lunabazaar.com and get ready to party!

My Mom Cracks Me Up!

My mom laughs at me because she swears whenever she’s in our bathroom, there’s never toilet paper.  She thinks we have issues with changing the roll.  Ok fine, maybe sometimes we forget!

So, she decided to get creative, and taped this sign, with a dollar bill next to the toilet paper roll:

“WHOEVER CHANGES THE TOILET PAPER ROLL WINS $1.00!”

Gotta love her! 

Can you guess who won the dollar?  SHE did!  HA HA!  Some things never fail.

From Parisian Designer Herve Gambs!

While browsing one of my favorite new blogs Lotus Haus, I came across a post they did about Herve Gambs, and simply had to share! 

To read their post, and to find more beautiful inspiration, go HERE!

Don’t forget to check out the designer’s site at:

 www.hervegambs.com!

 Things She’ll Love For Mother’s Day!

 Hopeful Limited Edition Print by Betsy Walton - $35

Betsy Walton Etsy Shop

(Print originally found at the beautiful Creature Comforts Blog!

Blue Butterfly Micro Umbrella - $15.95

The Nature Store

Set of 3 Bud Vases - $29, Or purchase the monogrammed set for $39!

Williams-Sonoma

Vino, Darling?

My good friend Leeanne is getting married, and to celebrate, we’re of course throwing her a bridal shower!

We decided we’d make the favors (shown below) ourselves, so we made wine charms using clear beads, purple beads, green beads and pearls. We made over 200 charms (to give to guests in sets of four), and I’m finally ready and very excited to show you them!

Here is a set I sent to fellow blogger Sharleen over at Shartreuse (both her and Denise are always so inspiring to me, so I sent them each a set). She took a picture of the charms, and the card I sent her (card designed by Denise, owner of Bellis Studios). Thanks for the picture, Sharleen!

While it’s not decided yet whether or not we’ll stick with the wine theme the whole way through when decorating, I decided to put together this wine-themed inspiration board to present as an idea.

I’ve been collecting wine corks for years now, and love using them at home to decorate vases and candle gardens with. You’ve seen the wine-cork place card holders, and now here are some more ways to use those corks!

Hosing a wine-themed shower or party? Here are some other ideas:

1. Serve a sangria punch, or a regular punch in purple or light green (grape colors).

2. Decorate with bowls of green and purple grapes, along with flowers in similar colors.

3. Use empty wine bottles as vases to put flowers into, maybe tie with ribbon around the neck, or get really crafty and paint the bottle vases!

4. Offer a wine-tasting experience (If you’re doing this, make sure you set up several different tasting booths to make sure guest traffic flows easily…you don’t want 50 guests all crowded at one table!).

5. Give wine charms (shown), wine glasses, or wine as favors or as prizes for games.

6. Serve different cheese & cracker trays, along with dark chocolate for the red wine lovers!

7. For a shower, ask each guest (or maybe just each bridesmaid) to bring a their favorite bottle of wine to start the couples’ wine collection.

8. Personalize wine labels, wine tags and wine-tasting mats for FREE at www.myweddingmywine.com! This would be such a cute gift idea, to give to the couple with their very own names on a bottle of wine to enjoy!

9. Always make sure to have plenty of wine glasses available for guests to use, perhaps decorate them by dropping a flower or petal in each.

10. Set the music to some good old Italian tunes, and enjoy! Maybe a little Frank Sinatra? Hmm?

The Stylish Wishing Well!

Whitney over at Zinke Design emailed me about their new take on the traditional guest book.  I’ve seen many different guest book ideas in the past, but this idea really adds a new twist and style to tradition. 

I introduce you to the Wishing Well!

Covered in stunningly beautiful fabrics, with a photo opening for personalization, this box holds 150 4×6 notecards and a pen for guests to wish the couple well and congratulate them all night long!  It also comes with a magnetic closure so you won’t have to worry about it dropping!

Not only would this be the perfect idea for weddings, but it would also work great for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, baby showers and graduations! 

For only $40.00, you can choose from 4 different beautiful designs.

New.  Stylish.  Fabulous.  Get yours at Zinke Design, and while you’re at it, check out their blog filled with tons of other inspiration HERE!  Thanks for sharing, Whitney!

Sugar Inc. Kicks Off The Wedding Season With IDoSugar!

I’m so thrilled to bring you this exciting news!  If you haven’t visited any of the sites by Sugar Inc. yet, you’re missing out!  But it gets better, because now they even have a site for all things wedding! 

If you’re planning your wedding, make sure to check out the brand new  “IDoSugar” which just launched this week to kick of the wedding season!

Celebrate Easter With Fresh Decor Ideas And Baby Chicks!

I’m in LOVE with these adorable little chickies, created by Preston Bailey of course!

To learn how to create your own little chickies for fresh Easter centerpieces, check out THIS post on Preston Bailey’s fabulous blog,  Inspirations and Transformations!

Looking for more Easter inspiration?

The Spring Table at Epicurious!

UPDATE: Here are the Easter eggs we colored this year!  Posted a little late, I know. Note to self: Next year, stay away from painting eggs with nail polish.  Whoopsie daisies!  Thank goodness I only did a few that way!

…The Peaceful Sound Of Wind Chimes

I love these wind chimes made out of recycled glass, found at Metamorphosi.  Even better, I love how they used them as curtains! 

Picture using these at an entryway at an outside event…let the breeze tickle your senses with the sound of chimes in the air…or as each guest arrives.  These would be easy to make yourself, too!  I’m sure you could find something similar to these recycled glass rings at any local craft store…what are your thoughts?

Fancy Schmancy D.I.Y!

Get your craft on over at Country Living, and learn how to make these adorabley fancy little bud vases! 

These would make perfect favors, or bunch them together to make a cool centerpiece!

Get creative! Instead of crystals, maybe hang earrings, tie ribbon or perhaps even hand-paint the vases!

Click HERE to learn how to create these vintage doily roses.  I could see these placed around a table at a bridal shower with tea!

Beautiful, girly and simple!

Find more great craft ideas & inspiration at www.countryliving.com!

Pottery Barn has always been one of my favorite stores.  Recently, I discovered they also have a section called “Style House” with great tips, ideas & advice for style and entertaining!  It’s true, they have an entire section on their website filled with inspiration…check it out!

Pottery Barn-Style House

My favorites? 

“How To Throw A Bridal Shower“

Including special touches, shower essentials, traditions and etiquette, and bridal shower themes!

& 

“Bridal Shower Favor Ideas“

Including a bit of bubbly, single blooms, spa setting, toasts and treats & more! 

The best part?  Use their inspiration, then shop for your own personal favorite products for entertaining & decor all in one spot.  From lighting to centerpieces, Pottery Barn is ready to help you party in style, no matter the occasion!

www.potterybarn.com

This week I noticed several blogs with great inspiration for letting nature help you mold your event.  I’m not calling it green, instead I’m calling it what it is…beautiful, fresh and calming nature. 

Like a kid imagining different shapes in the clouds, I stared at these pictures imagining the events that could be created around these images.  Take a look!

1. Row House Creative

2. Yum Sugar

3.  Karen Smallbone

4.  BBJ Linen (The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago)

5.  Jessamyn Harris Photography

If you loved the whirly hanging candleholders that Jo Gartin used in the picture from my last post, you’re in luck! 

Just head on over to CB2!  If you take a little looksie, you’ll find they sell these lovely hanging candleholders in both clear and silver, starting at only $3.95/pc.!

The possibilities are limitless, hang them from trees, centerpieces, doorways, or ceilings!  Or, make little chandeliers by using several of them together. 

The best thing about these?  You could so easily use them even after the wedding, by hanging them in the corners of your bedroom or anywhere else in your home.  

These little lighting loves are sure to make any event or home feel comfy, cozy and chill.  They would also make a great gift!  Who doesn’t love different ways to display candlelight?

LOVE them!

Read more about them and get yours at: www.cb2.com!

…With Inspiration From Jo Gartin, Celebrity Planner!

There are so many amazing event planners out there, who can whip up some fabulous ideas just by paying attention to detail.  Ones who can really help make an event “eventful“. 

One event planner who truly inspires me is Jo Gartin. 

I discovered her after reading about her at  In Style Weddings.  They featured her as their celebrity planner pick recently, and here’s what they had to say:

‘Jo Gartin and her L.A. firm, Love, Luck and Angels, have orchestrated weddings for such stars as Tori Spelling, Molly Shannon and Elizabeth Banks. “I take a less traditional approach,” says Gartin, “and offer my brides unexpected ideas. I also look for ways to achieve maximum results while working within their budget.’

- In Style Weddings

Jo Gartin also has a wonderful book you can buy, called “Jo Gartin’s Weddings“, filled with loads of inspiration, tips, and advice.  Interested?  Get your copy at: Amazon!

Here are a few of my favorite details and styles by Jo Gartin:

For more inspiration from this talented planner, check out her site at: Love, Luck and Angels!

 This Girl Can Make Your Centerpieces Look Fabulous…

…For Next To Nothing!

Stressing out about how you’re going to afford centerpieces for each table at your wedding or event?  Stress your sweet little heads no more, because Rachael Ray is here to help you save your day, and your money! 

Check out some of these very crafty and affordable ideas…they’re super easy and super duper lovely!  Did I just say, “super duper”?  Wow.   Here are a few of my favorite ideas and how-to’s from this domestic goddess.  Be sure to check her site for even more inspiration for not only decor, but themes, food and drinks too!

Bargain Blooms!

“Daring designer Genevieve Gorder works decorating miracles on The Learning Channel’s Trading Spaces , and she did the same with this month’s centerpiece: Her arrangement comes together for about $6!

The ingredients: a cheap bunch of supermarket flowers, a bag of colorful dried beans and some tall glasses from your cabinet. Fill each glass with a 2- to 3-inch layer of beans and add a few tablespoons of water. Trim one flower stem to fit inside each glass, then arrange the “vases” down the center of the table.”

Revealing Glance! 

 ”Designer Lulu Guinness, famous for her whimsical accessories, put her usual flair on the table when she came up with this month’s centerpiece—votive candles and a vintage mirror with lavender roses.

To re-create the look, use your favorite flowers and any candles and mirrors. If you’re worried about having food stuck in your teeth, a glance at the table will reveal all.”    

 Bean There!

“As long as you’re stocking up on staples for cold-weather soups, pick up an extra bag of lentils for this easy centerpiece.

Designer Mark Brunetz—who helps bring order to homes on The Style Network show Clean House—grabs some juice glasses and orange votive candles and ties it all together with raffia from the craft store.”

A Touch Of Glass!

“No need to buy votive candleholders: Just grab juice glasses instead. Arrange the tealights in a line along a mantel or down your table for instant mood lighting. Avoid scented candles — they’ll compete with the delicious smell of your meal.” - Rachael Ray

All images and quotes thanks to:  Every Day With Rachael Ray!

The band,”Vertical Horizon” once sang, “You’re a god, and I am not…”. 

Well, if there were a “color god”, it would probably be Hue Consulting!

Trying to come up with a color scheme for your special event, or just trying to paint a few walls?  Visit the Hue Consulting blog, a great reference for all your colorful inspiration needs! 

Now for some vertical and colorful inspiration…

I love the idea of hanging streamers or ribbon from tree branches for an event.

Can you believe those are actually hanging paint samples!?  It’s true!  Time consuming, I’m sure, to put together nicely, but obviously it can be done…what a creative idea!

Today I stumbled upon this awesome shop called:

“To Bee Named“

This oh-so-fabulous shop sells stylish, chic, cool & quirky cocktail napkins, guest towels, coasters, placemats, napkin holders, wine tags, & more! 

With a variety of different colors, patterns & options to personalize, you’re sure to find something you love.

Perfect for any special occasion, ”To Bee Named” has products to dress up the bar at your wedding reception or the tables at a shower!  Your guests will surely be impressed by your sense of style & attention to details!  These would also make great gifts. 

Want to see more patterns, colors & products by “To Bee Named“?  

Go HERE now!

This Valentine’s Day I decided to get out the construction paper, cut out a bunch of pink and red hearts, and decorate as if I were five years old again.  It was so much fun! 

The hubby surprised me with a wonderful dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, then we came home, watched a romantic movie and just chilled over some wine.  I love being in love! 

Valentine’s Day is also special to us, because it’s the day my husband proposed to me, while in Disney World! 

We’ve been married 5 years now, together for 10.  I’m indeed blessed!

These are some pictures of my morning-of last-minute decorating…lol.  Do you still decorate for Valentine’s Day?

It’s winter.  If you’re from Chicago, like me, you’re probably getting to enjoy the lovely white (almost 2 feet of) snow we’ve gotten in the past week!  And if you’re like me, you’re hopefully trying to see the beauty of this snow, instead of getting upset over how much money you’ve spent on salt already! 

The houses are covered with what looks like fondant icing on a cake, while the evergreen trees look almost mystical as they carry the weight from the crystaling snow.  It truly is a breathtaking site to see!

However, if you’re like me, you’re probably wishing the smell of Spring would be hear sooner.  While we’ve got a few more months left to go before that happens, there’s still hope! 

While shopping at Carson’s the other day, this wonderful aroma took over as I rode down the escalator.  It smelled like Spring!  I couldn’t pin-point where it was coming from, as the perfume department was right below me.  

It wasn’t a perfume.  And it surely wasn’t the weather!  No, it wasn’t Superman either.  I had finally found it, a beautiful stand with an array of candles and potpourri.  Aaaaahhhh….Heavenly!

Let me introduce you to my new favorite scented candle.  The “Smell Of Spring” candle by Aromatique! 

This scent-sational collection offers several different sized jar candles and potpourri to bring home and relax those winter blues.  The votive jar candles I bought smell of spring flowers and hyacinth…and they burn for up to 18 hours! 

Go now.  Smell.  Buy.  And enjoy the “Smell Of Spring”! 

Not only is this collection perfect for Valentine’s Day, it would also make the perfect bridesmaid gift!

www.aromatique.com 

…Who makes baby showers lots of fun!

A few months back one of my best friends had a baby shower.  I helped with the centerpieces, because decorating is part of the fun! 

Here are some pictures.  It was a wonderful shower, and I’m happy to say she’s due any day now!  Congratulations Laura!

These centerpieces were super easy to create.  Just use any glass vases or bowls, put colored glass rocks at the bottom, and float some rubber duckies on top.   They were a hit!

While the centerpieces were not gender inspired (since we still don’t know if it’s a girl or a boy), you could easily do so by tying a blue or pink ribbon around the vases!

 Take a look at this comfortable and soothing room found at:

 Studio Well Spring!

This living room really makes me feel relaxed just looking at it.  This decor is usually not my style, but it works so great in this room, doesn’t it?

Sometimes I wish I was more daring when it came to color.  For some reason I find myself looking at more neutral, warm colors than I do bright and bold. 

Maybe it’s time to try something new…

 Love is in the air, and on these walls!