Just A Lovely Note. . .

My little girls are lovely. . .well, at least we all try. .but it is my favorite word. If I wasn't so conscious of them become attorneys, doctors, or pro skateboarders I would have named one of them Lovely. .



BUT becuase I didn't - I am always searching for Lovely Things. . .so here is my latest! Love this Blog. . .

La La Lovely

Xoxo

Mommywood. . . A Baby Shower

So - we got moved in and 5 days later threw a baby shower. Mommywood to be exact. A wonderful family and close friends - And I think, personally, perfectly suited to a fabulous mommy.

This was a third little girl for the family, and a miracle - just like the other two. I always wonder why people don't throw showers for EVERY baby - they are all blessings and the mommies still have to endure the pregnancy right? It's not just that you NEED a new stroller, or onesies, or anything like that - it's that you NEED the party!

Our theme was Mommywood and the colors were Hot Pink, Pink and White. {Based on the nursery}

We had cupcakes and mini-appetizers as it was held at 3pm on a Saturday in our backyard.

The boys were invited and we set up a "Dad's Station" complete with cigars and beer. . . {Where would we be without these daddies?}

Favors were boxes filled with Candy that represented the Love Story of the family, example: a ring pop for marriage, pop rocks for how the house is crazy with girls etc. It was wrapped up with tulle ribbon and a bubblegum cigar and a pacifyer (actually ring from dollar tree - LOVE)

We made baby blocks - 5 for each little girl - decorated 3 sides and had guests write well wishes to the family on the other three. Goodness knows what this mommy will do with the blocks - but hopefully something the girls can pass to their kiddos.

And then we set up a tent with draping, damask curtains and a wonderful chaise lounge and had the videographer tape well wishes and we all read pieces from the mommies adorable, touching and oh so sweet blog. . .

And to top it off - tissue paper EVERYWHERE! {Thank you Martha Stewart}

Now. .to start planning the next party!

xoxo

Baby Shower Invites -DONE!

So they are done! And beautiful . . they are not exactly what I had invisioned. .but all the same, I think they are perfectly suited for the Mommy to Be and what the shower will be.

The chandelier above the crib didn't show up as bright as it should have (printers problem) so we glamed it out with the bow and rhinestone on the crib side.

Then the pacifier/diamond looked a little blah so I took clear glitter and dabbed it on . .

I used gray as a background becuase the white just didn't look "put together enough" and it will work with the shower decor and cards etc.

And then I tried to make a little shopping bag for the registry after not knowing how to get it in the original invite. . and to "Wrap" it all up I wrapped an organza hot pink ribbon around it so guests can still read the invite. . .

{Special Thanks to Crystal Amaya for the beautiful Invite design - I think she could have killed me with selection of fonts alone but pulled through like a trooper!}

Now - On to ordering the favors!!

XOXO

I Love Anna Griffin

As everyone knows - I went with a Beach Housey feel for our last house which was great. But now I'm ready fora change. . at least in the main living room and maybe the bedroom. I still have to have casual because of the kids. . . but I'm ready for a little more color and maybe a pattern or two.

So I was at Michaels yesterday, and while racking my brain for the Baby Shower, I came across Anna Griffin's new collection Darcey - and fell IN LOVE! So I bought alot of the paper for "inspiration" and started thinking. . and googling :)

And I found out they were also FABRIC! Courtesy of FabricWorm. I am thinking large frames - ornate painted either white or left in a mettalic, or throw pillows. . . That way I can change out if they are too crazy for long term. But I just love them - don't you?

I also found out Anna Griffin has a blog! I have always liked her becuase she just represents every girl - everything from frilly and flowery to bold with structured designs. I started getting to know "her" when everyone was getting married and I used her paper for my wedding invite.

And if you read Anna's blog - you'll know that one of the Real Houswives of NJ loves her too - Deana. It was meant to be!

More to come later - I'm not working at the moment and LOVE the internet.

xoxo

Going Camping {Yay}

We’re leaving to go camping tongith. . . the husband, the daughters, daughters friend, 2 dogs, tent, sleeping bags, food . . .and of course beverages. Perfect. I can already feel relaxation. Aaaahhhh.

I used to not like camping – that was before my husband and I compromised and we were not out in a “campsite” ie: FIELD that had no restroom, in the middle of May which was usally 50% raining/downpouring. Now my lovely family and I go in the dead of summer,where restrooms are clean, and campsites have a marked area for a fire and a sweet spot for our tent.

I’m good with that 2 times a year. I’m not an “avid” outdoors-person, so in the art of compromise I am slowly working on it. And 2 nights is good enough for me. One night for card-games, smores and a great dinner and another night for burgers, beer and stories around the fire. And the kids can’t really get lost in 2 days {I Hope!}

I love the magazine Sunset, it gives me hope for camping and inspires me to give my kids and my family those memories that are so well displayed in their beautiful pictures.

This is my camping trip:

But – this is the little something I bought to get me through the oh so cold nights J
{Don’t Judge – it’s from Hollister , but its from the Guys Dept. so that works for camping right?}

XOXO

Baby Showers. . .

The last baby shower I threw was for Jaxyn Tate, my niece, and it was very pretty. Just like her mommy (my sister). Jess is very “Domino” where I am more “Coastal Living” so we balance each other out and I love her for that. She throws wonderful parties too and I have been blessed with beautiful baby and wedding showers.

We threw the event at the Nines, a boutique hotel in Portland that is beautiful! And while the girls attended the shower – the boys played pool and drank beer in the “library” area of the hotel.

I love when both the Mom and the Dad can be a part of such a special event . . . and it’s not just Dads hanging out at a baby shower!


The theme was the Sweetest Thing . . .
Venue: The Nines Hotel ~ Portland, OR


Color Scheme: Brighter Pink, Light Pink and Green

Style Highlights: The Candy “Bar” with various jars and cake pedestals holding various shades of Pink Candy. And found Pink Bubblegum Cigars.

Favor: Vintage Aprons in White Handled Bag w/ thick satin ribbon bows


Candy Bags – Clear with Pink Martha Steward Daisy labels on them. Label below that w/ Thank you printed.


Linens: Ivory with Pink Raw Silk sashes around Chivalry Chairs



Menu: Desserts and Cupcakes (yum)



“Games” (We don’t like any game where you have to measure around your tummy!)
Jaxyn’s Goodnight Book – we took a Golden Book and decorated each page with different ribbons and buttons. Inserted “Library envelopes and cards” into each page and we wrote our favorite Children’s Book and why we liked it.
Mommies Apron - Put things in a “mommy’s” apron to help her with her with her new bundle of joy: Aspirin, Liquor, a scrunchi, McDonalds coupons!


And here is the finished product. .Enjoy!

We hired a Videographer ~ Valeo Visual ~ and it was the best present I gave to the parents, Jax, And our Family. . . here is the link to the short video {BEAUTIFU}
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0OkE9JNJXc

Gma Ruthy . . Happy Birthday

In Honor of my Grandma Ruth's 90th Birthday Celebration this weekend. . (better late then never - her birthday was actually in November!)

Picture of my pretty little sister,Jessica and Gma Ruthy at Jessica's Baby Shower.

{I made this frame for Jax's bedroom - one of my favorite craft projects ever}

Quick Note. . .House Beautiful!

Just a quick note - LOOK at this tablescape! Definately colors I'm using in the master bedroom. . I first saw it at Target {LOVE} and then I saw it over at Coco & Kelley {See my favorite blogs to the side} and then. . as if I needed any more inspiration it came to me like a ray of light!! YAY! It was a sign I think. . .

JL DESIGNS: a "mod baroque" tablescape
Blog is: JL Designs and she is just so great with design and style. .


I think Jeff will love too - maybe not the painting. .but he'll be okay :) Happy Wife. Happy Life.

xoxo

Why I LOVE Craigslist. .

Anyway - here are some of my favorites - I was shopping for couches tonight and I think I have some good leads - at least maybe for the family room downstairs. . . we will have to see.

$200 - YAY

$100

And Finally. . . $350
All courtesy of Craiglist.Portland,OR. {I didn't post links becuase I wasn't sure if the owners would appreciate that but you can find them there right now if you search}

And these pics are the Just for Fun. .but I LOVE them. .I'm thinking I can find somewhere for them - right?

XOXO

Speaking of Portland Style. . .

I just had to add I found a favorite Blog - and all about Portland Style. .

It's founded by a lovely girl that also authors another of my favorite blogs {FROLIC}

Welcome to my early Saturday Mornings. . catching up on all these pretty pictures!
I LOVE IT (more then my corn pops and coffee)

*Please see side Favorite Blogs for links to both*

Interview Outfit

This blog is getting more and more random. . . but as I said, it's a great way to brainstorm. So I am currently working - but only until August. So the one BIG question on my mind. . what to wear to an interview.

In the Portland,OR area it's not as formal as most-corporate america's are so I can get away without wearing a suit. Definately work appropriate though and I always fall back on the color BLACK. Becuase I am a total stress case when I interview, and completely want to wear something easy and something professional - and full proof. And who wears color to an interview!

BUT I don't want to look too Goth - and try to use some color as necessary. Especially for companies in Portland. . . and I'm in LOVE with yellow right now . .and the Houndstooth pattern. Weird huh? But I went to the BEST site ever for fashion inspiration. . http://www.shopstyle.com/ and http://www.bloomingdales.com/ (please Portland -bring one to me!) and found something I can live with.


And throw in a little JUICY (the bracelets found at Bloomindales) and wahlah. . .

Express Trousers, Ellie Tahar Blouse w/ Yellow Belt, Juicy Couture Bracelets and Tori Burch Blouse

Wish Me Luck!

XoXo

The New House. . Idea Book

I'm the kind that Likes to be organized in even brainstorming sessions - one of the reasons why I've love the idea of a blog - a way to organize these pictures and thoughts about designing homes, parties - or my life! I also Love the magazine Cottage Living. It's so not what I thought it was going to be - and my style tends to be more comfort, but less shabby chic. So it works. Like anything - you have to be picky.


BUT I was on the site the other day and came across these GREAT pics from an article called "Cool California Style" - based on designer Tia Zolden's home. And I love it - maybe not exactly what she did but I like the color palate. . dark olive, green, black/white and a turqoise or bright mixed in. . I loved it . . look at these pics.

XOXO

On A Side Note. . . My babies party

So. . Ashlynn turned 3 on Friday. . yay and sad. . . but it would be the last birthday for her in our "cute" home so we decided to have everyone over, friends. family. and craziness!

But she is so cute - and looking at how big Aaryn is and how ittle she is - I want to smush her all over and make her stay 3 forever!

We went with a Pixie (NOT Tinkerbell) theme.
3 Glittered and Flowered Branches
1 Centerpiece of Real Moss and Butterflies in it
1 BEAUTIFUL cake
6 Little Butterflies strung from lights
21 Balloons
1 "Pixie" Treasure Hunt and 1 BEAUTIFUL LITTLE 3 YEAR OLD. .

A Perfect Day. .

One Idea. .

Okay - I found it. . one idea for the living room. It doesn't have all the windows. . but just as an idea - a template of design!! (Thank you to Coco+Kelley blog for all the design ideas)

It's Been Too Long. .

Yes. . it has. . been too long. Well, we are moving - again. I'm not overjoyed about it - but it's a bigger space. Good for the family and all that. . .
I will miss my little perfect cottage living home. . and go to a split level . . and then comes my next dillema. .
HOW TO DECORATE?
The upstairs (kitchen/dinining and living) is in a tan, dark wood. Do I go with a french chateau look or a "california casual look"??
Can you do California Casual with a marble island and countertops?? So many choices - so little time.

Downstairs will be the kids/family room. I'm thinking Coastal Casual. But I found the BEST site. I've never even heard of it before. . www.roomzaar.com! It has real homes, real people and pictures!

But, FYI, I miss Domino magazine. . .they would have helped me so much in this dire time of my life.

More to come - with pictures of whatever I find tonight. . .

xoxo

Valentines Day Date

I was just over at Shop Style and found this beautiful outfit I think will be my next great search. .
I couldn't decide between the dresses - but just love BOTH of them.

I thought they would be great for Valentines Day and my sisters upcoming Baby Shower. . so excited for both of them!

I thought I could totally wear one of these pins also - or maybe a few of them. . .you know me. . the more the merrier!

xoxo