Delicate Glam - Pink + White Party

I recently came across this delicate yet glamorous photo shoot and immediately fell in love. Created by Paper Stories, Indie Wed, Ryan Alexander Events, Pollen, and photographed by AveryHouse, each of the respective companies contributed only sustainable (reused, recycled, or natural) objects for the staging. Antique china, satin ribbons, paper bunting, and miniature fresh potted plants mixed with a neutral palette of colors within the blush and blueish green families all assist in creating this deliciously sweet and pretty party. My favorite aspect is that of the ruffle cake. Perfection.

photos by AveryHouse via The Sweetest Occasion

Two-sday

photos Natalie Moser Photography and Atlanta Pacific

Two favorite photos of the week.

Bits of Color

What a week it has been. Between house issues and personal happenings I've been a bad blogger, to say the least. I'm looking forward to getting back to the basics and posting on my regular schedule. I do love keeping up with a lot of you via Twitter, emails, and texts though, so thank you for your wonderful friendship!
On a much different note, I was recently browsing through my monthly home decor mags and noticed a slight trend in pops of color (specifically within the blue/green family) showing up in unsuspecting places. I love this calm, tranquil hue and think it looks great in small doses in rooms like a kitchen or bathroom. Here are a few of my favorite interior spaces with bits of color:

photos 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

Rachel Zoe's Stunning Office Space

I often find myself endlessly searching for office space inspiration. While creativity and its ability to flow naturally within the confines is of the utmost importance, my need for functionality nearly trumps all desires for pleasing aesthetics. To my surprise, Rachel Zoe's headquarters blends both aspects of my "perfect work environment" vision beautifully. A bureau of designer duds, shoes, handbags, and accessories, Rachel's office houses room for her to create wonderfully timeless pieces while at the same time offering organizational structure which allows her to continuously build upon and expand her one-woman empire from a business aspect. It's rare to come across a creatively structured space (an oxymoron in my book), but when I do, it is oh so sweet.


My most favorite aspect of Rachel Zoe's office is that of her nail polish collection adorned with cocktail rings; a simple yet telling reminder to enjoy the smallest of things in life.

photos here

Creative Ideas: Easy DIY Projects I'm Loving

Makeover your camera with painted chevron stripes in just a few easy steps.

I've always loved DIY projects. Whether I'm cutting up and reworking clothes, buying thread and stones to make jewelry, or simply throwing together materials around the house to see what they can become, DIYing is a big part of my "creative side" life, which is why I enjoy sharing them so much on here. I tend to get a lot of email questions regarding DIY's, mainly asking if I have any fun and easy project ideas, so I thought I'd share a few that I found around the web. All of these are simple yet pack just enough punch to get your DIY ideas flowing. Here are a few of my favorites:

Make these ultra chic paper flowers the next time you have company. They're bound to be impressed.

Decorate your next get-together with these simple and chic paper lanterns.

This paper curtain DIY is whimsy, fun, and budget friendly.

If after all this DIY talk you're feeling a little daring, I'd suggest these gorgeous chiffon and tulle flowers.

photos 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5

A Dashingly Chic Apartment

When I first came across this home on The Glitter Guide, I literally sat still, fixated on my computer screen. With its neutral accents and chic eclectic finds, most of the pieces on display are collections and knick-knacks that the owner, Krystal of This Time Tomorrow, has accumulated over the years. My favorite part of the house is her electric blue cruiser in the kitchen eating area. What a beautifully dashing space.

photos by The Glitter Guide here

2012 Home Decor Trends

As each new year begins we are met with the inevitable changes that occur as a result of not only resolutions but industry-set trends as well. Whether they be in fashion, hair, or home decor, upcoming trends can often be an uncomfortable transition, but once made, surprisingly satisfying. As we welcome the new year in these early weeks, I'm exploring the newest trends in home decor today on Houzz.

1. Quirky accents: C.Wonder horse & buggy plate 2. Classic elements: Arteriors bar cart 3. Blending contemporary + natural elements: Crate & Barrel tatum table lamp 4. Bold and abstract prints: Ocean Ikat IV by Chariklia Zarris 5. Patterned pieces: West Elm dhurrie ottoman 6. Over-sized accessories: Crate & Barrel starburst mirror

For more 2012 home decor trends, visit me here.

Churro Snack Mix Recipe - Gluten Free

*To answer a few email questions: The pattern above is actually a wallpaper sample I have from Phillip Jeffries Ltd. This is their Moroccan print in chocolate brown (found here).

I debated posting this allergy friendly cinnamon sugar "churro" Chex Mix recipe merely because its components are less than camera friendly. However, this recipe is so quick (5 minutes), simple (5 ingredients), and delicious (cinnamon sugar yumminess) that I had to share, regardless of its photographic appeal. Instead of using butter, as most traditional Chex Mix dessert recipes require, I swapped a third cup of coconut oil and it worked like a charm. Put these in a jar and grab a handful throughout the day, or pack in a clear bag tied with a bow and send to a friend in the mail; this is the perfect snack to eat anytime, anywhere.

*To answer a few email questions and a comment below: The porcelain measuring spoons are from World Market here.

Click below for the recipe.


"Churro" Chex Mix - gluten free, dairy free
- 5 C. Chex Mix rice cereal (or any plain cereal)
- 1/3 C. coconut oil, melted (or butter)
- 1 Tbs. brown sugar
- 1/2 Tbs. of cinnamon sugar (recipe below), plus more for dusting
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

- wax paper

Cinnamon Sugar
- 1/2 C. sugar
- 1 Tbs. cinnamon
Mix sugar and cinnamon. Store in an airtight container. (This makes way more than the recipe calls for. In total I used about 1.5 Tbs. of this and put the rest in a container)

In a large, microwavable safe bowl, add cereal. Set aside.
In a small, microwavable safe bowl, add coconut oil and microwave for 30 seconds, or until melted. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon sugar mix, and vanilla.
Pour sugar mixture over cereal in the large bowl and toss gently until coated evenly.
Microwave cereal mixture in 1 minute intervals for 5 minutes, carefully stirring after each minute.
Spread cereal mixture over wax paper. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar to taste (I suggest doing this slowly because it can quickly become too sweet). Let cool, about 30 minutes.
Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

5 Beauty DIYs: Magnetic Makeup Boards & Brush Holders

If there's one thing that needs a bit tidying up in my life, it's that of my makeup drawer. I am compulsive about cleaning and organizing throughout our home, cars, etc., but the one place that simply falls through the cracks is that little tiny drawer to the right of my bathroom sink. Being an avid mineral makeup wearer, I've grown accustomed to having a cloth or towel nearby to wipe everything down afterward, but I'm still afraid to put the containers inside anything but a plastic bag out of fear they'll quickly ruin the material of a makeup bag. And since I don't have a catch-all bag, I try to (as neatly as possible) lay my brushes and miscellaneous pieces down flat in the drawer, but their organized stance lasts just until the next time I open it, when everything becomes scattered once more. All of this frustration led me to a quick search for DIY makeup holders, which surprisingly turned up awesome results. Here are a few organized solutions I'm loving:

photos 1 & 3 - DIY makeup brush holders with dried beans found here on The Three Little Birdies
photo 2 - DIY makeup brush holders with coffee beans found here on Pink Basil
photos 4, 5, 6 - DIY magnetic makeup board and face/eyes makeup brush holders found here on The Diva Dish
photo 7 - DIY framed magnetic makeup board found here on Liz Marie Blog

January Photo a Day

jan. 5th: something you wore banana republic animal print cardi w/ j.crew baubles

I remember once being moved after reading a story of a man who had snapped a Polaroid photo every day during the latter half of his life. Whether he captured a pair of his socks or a family member's smile, the significance was nestled in the fact that these were pieces, not necessarily moments, which made his life, well, his. Inspired by this simple act of documentary, I've attempted to do the same in minuscule proportion by taking a photo of one thing in my life each day over the course of one year, but I have failed to do so in sequential order, and subsequently started and stopped this project many times. Luckily, I seem to be one of many who would like to achieve such a goal, as my friend Parmie reached out in late December and asked if I'd like to participate in "January Photo a Day" where you snap a photo of something in your life that correlates with the prompted list of subjects for the entire month. I was ecstatic to start this project once more, and thought I'd share a recap of the photos each Saturday on here during the month of January. If you are participating, please let me know! I'd love to see your photos as well.

jan. 4th: letterbox received my mag subscriptions that day - jan. 6th: makes you smile my kitchenaid - jan. 7th: favorite kate spade ny flash flats

photos Brunch at Saks

Quiet Spaces

The post-holiday lull that appears in the form of barren, stark January days is always a hard (yet somewhat welcomed) adjustment for me. Gone are the animated greens, statically cheerful figurines, and glowing spirited lights, and in their place stand the familiar decorations of old, all of which take no time settling in for the eleven months ahead until their Yuletide counterparts take over once more. Transitional embellishments to ease the abrupt contrast would be a novel idea, but the last thing our closets need are more themed decor. With that said, I surprisingly fell quite hard for this simple, nearly monochromatic, home. Antique charm mixed with eclectically modern pieces create beautifully quiet spaces; a much needed dose of inspiration this time of year indeed.

- photos Marcus Lawett for Residence -