Picture Perfect Palette: A Wall

Hiya loves ;-))). Sorry, I'm running a bit behind schedule today! How about I try and make it up to you with a lovely palette? Sounds good, no? Then have a look-see at this...

So gorgeous, no?  And I love that all the colors came from the wall - so lovely.  But I gotta say, the dress is lovely too!

~ Ciao

...image via dustjacket attic

Color Crave Recreated: Earthy Green & Crisp White

Hi lovelies!  Happy Friday to you ;-)  And happy first day of Fall.

Yesterday I posted a Color Crave post that I just loved, and I was hoping that you did too.  However, that is only the first half of the new series ;-)  The second half is me showing you how you can recreate the Color Crave look...with any styling tips, ideas or thoughts I may have that might help!  No, this isn't an Inspiration to Creation post where I break it down and do it myself - this Color Crave Recreated post shows you how to put the look together from items found around the wonderful world wide web ;-)  Sounds fun, no?  Plus, this post is much easier on my pocketbook...and that my loves is always a good thing!

So are you ready?  Let's start with the appetizer area first...

Recreated...

I think the use of old cutting boards is fabulous!  They have the perfect look...so don't ever throw them away...just send them to me ;-)   Also, I have used the giant cutting board, that the older homes have, before to serve up cheese and appetizers...so those work just as well...and of course are free!

The table...

Recreated...

I have to say that I really am loving the placecard holders!  To make, like the ones above, I would use a piece of toothpick to hold a couple of the smaller heads/cloves together.  For the tub, you could always give it a spotted paint job.  Once the paint is dry, take it outside and hose it off, then let dry in the sun.  Repeat hosing it off and drying for a couple days to get a worn with a bit of rust look...you be the judge on the look you want ;-)  You could do this with the new tubs too which are a lot easier on the pocketbook than vintage ones ;-)  And don't forget the table number marker either loves (in the first picture with a 5 on it)...just grab some old handheld garden tools (or buy them) and write a number on the handle and place in tub...easy peasy!

And finally the wishes spot, as I'm calling it...

Recreated...

I have one recommendation in this area - make sure to weigh the watering can down with some rocks so the branches don't tip it over!  Also, I know I included a balance scale similar to the original picture, yet an old kitchen scale like this would work just as well, for a lot less...and just so you know, I REALLY want to buy it ;-)  Plus, one little detail that you might have missed (you can see it better in yesterday's bigger picture) is the white string wrapped around the branches...just adds a thoughtful extra touch I think!

Did you notice the common elements in each area?  Well of course the ornamental cabbage (love the color) and crisp white linens, but also in each area there was a vintage element (grain sieve and cutting boards in the first; a galvanized tub in the second; and, the watering cans in the third) that helped tie the overall look together from one area to the other. 

I have to add that if I knew that this is how I wanted to decorate for my wedding, I would be planting ornamental cabbages from seed or small plant in every pot I could find.  I would add some carrots and beets and other veggies too.

Really, this whole look can be created for not that much if you plan ahead and pick up a few key vintage elements.  Oh, and for the jars that hold the ornamental cabbage, I would just use jars from the kitchen like empty spaghetti sauce jars, olive jars, etc...simple and free ;-)  Ooh, don't you think this would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner too?  Yes, I LOVE this idea for a rehearsal dinner or even a bride and groom shower!

Hope you enjoyed this new series loves! Here is where to get your hands on the above items...

The Shopping List

1.  Large Antique Sieve, 2.  Antique Collection of Cutting Boards, 3.  Ornamental Cabbage - local nursery, 4.  White Bowls, 5.  Drinking Glasses, 6.  Galvanized Tub, 7.  Ornamental Cabbage - local nursery, 8.  Purple Garlic - specialty grocery store, 9.  Watering Can, 10.  Branches from your yard or here, 11. Ornamental Cabbage - local nursery and 12.  Vintage Scale

~ Ciao

...images via a magazine moment

Color Crave: Earthy Green & Crisp White

Good morning darlings!  I just can't seem to be getting enough of green and white these days!  Especially with a side of brown and a hint of purple.  Don't you find yourself craving one color one day, and another color on another day?  Or sometimes for weeks or even longer?  I do...and it seems like it changes on a daily or weekly basis for me.  It's like I am craving these colors...if that's possible ;-)   Hence the title of this post ;-)  And I have decided to start a new series...which I think you might like! 

Anyhoo, I think I am going to have to do a display at the Inspired Collective in earthy greens and crisp white soon...hmm, sounds like a good plan, no?  I really love the natural and rusticness of the details here...paired with the crisp white linens, it makes for a look that I ADORE...and what I would call naturally beautiful!   I love the simple display of appetizers...

A fabulously earthy centerpiece that looks like it was just plucked from the garden, and some DARLING placecard holders...

And a couple branches to have guests hang wishes from, or can be used for an escort area...

All in a clean and crisp palette that still has some warmth and rustic vintage touches.  This is me defined I think.  Oh add a bit of glam in there and then it is ;-)  Well at least for today...because I will probably change my mind tomorrow...hehe ;-)  Hey, you all know how I LOVE options! 

Okay...I am off for a bit to finish up editing and writing my Handcrafted post that is coming up soon!  So check back around 10 am, and I will have some purple and gold inspiration for you ;-)

~ Ciao

...images via a magazine moment

Flowers of the Week: 9.19.11

Good morning, good morning lovelies!  How was your weekend?  Lovely, I hope ;-) 

I got to puppy sit my favorite boy Gus this weekend.  He always keeps me on my toes with our hour long walks we took each day!  And I made my first trip to the farmers market to get apples on Sunday.  My brother and his wife take turns helping out one of his best friends Bobbie, who owns an orchard, at the market.  So not only do I get fresh apples, but I get to visit with my bother or his wife.  This Sunday my brother was working.  And yesterday since I had Gus, he made the trip with me as well.  He was definitely the hit in all his cuteness sitting on the back of the truck ;-)

However, while I planned on being super productive this weekend, I didn't have the opportunity to do anything!  Not good ;-(  Also, I am sorry for my little disappearance last Thursday and Friday.  At least I had a post scheduled for Friday, so that helped.  I was busy taking care of a couple things, and I know I PROMISED to have Luna and Chloe Handcrafted on Etsy up and running on Thursday, and do a post about it...I have decided to hold off on this for a couple more weeks. 

I am redoing my space at the Inspired Collective this Wednesday (which I will share with you on Thursday), and then I am going to start working on another design for the Grand Opening of the Inspired Collective on October 6th.  Some of the designs I am going to use for the grand opening, are ones that I have created for Luna and Chloe Handcrafted on Etsy, and I really want everything to be a surprise at the opening...so I have decided to hold off on showing you them and uploading them to Etsy.  Yet, maybe I will give you darlings a sneak peeks over the next couple of weeks ;-)

The other thing I said I was going to do was the Inspiration to Creation No.: 2 - which is all ready to go except for the posts...yet, I still haven't done them!  Aye, aye, aye - I will get working on those this week, and hopefully get them finished up to share with you soon.

Wow, am I rambling on or what?  I am sure you ready for the 'Flowers of the Week' already.  With Friday being the first day of fall, I really wanted to choose some fabulous fall flowers that are perfect for this time of year...when the leaves haven't started to turn yet.  These bridesmaids bouquets are just early fall perfection in my book.  And while a bouquet in shades of green and brown doesn't sound that pretty, let me tell you lovelies these bouquets are GORGEOUS.  Have a look-see...

Love, love, love and love.  Yep, I love them all ;-)  And for a better visual, here they all are together...

I adore the brown ribbon too, don't you?

So tell me loves...are you ready for Fall? 

~ Ciao

...images via style me pretty

Tuesday Shoesday #40:

Good morning darlings ;-) 

I have to tell you that I was supposed to be doing my Inspiration to Creation post this week - and with everything that's been going on here lately...I just need some breathing time...so I decided to take my extra time this week, which was supposed to be putting together extra posts all week long for the Inspiration to Creation week, and take care of me by going for a walk, doing some yoga and pilates - all things that make me feel good and that I haven't been doing for weeks now.  I haven't been doing a great job of taking care of me lately ;-)  But I will this week!  So I will have the Inspiration to Creations posts all ready to go next week for you. 

Goodness, I keep telling you I am going to do something and then don't do it - which I NEVER do.  But with all that's happening around here, extras like Luna and Chloe Handcrafted (which is definitely happening on Thursday this week!!!) and Inspiration to Creation posts get pushed back.  So now I made a promise to myself that I am not going to say anything in advance, and instead just do it...or at least get it done and then tell you it's coming ;-)

And you know what darlings?  I already started taking care of me with a little shopping.  Hmmm - that's taking care of me right?  I know you are saying yes right now...hehe.  And since today is Tuesday and I'm doing some shopping I would like a pair of these please...

3.1 Phillip Lim Regine sandal  in the prettiest shade of emerald.  How AMAZING would these be for a Fall wedding?  Or any season really...gorgeous for Winter, so Spring, and a great pop in Summer ;-)  Oooh, and do I have the perfect cake for these lovelies.  Have a look-see at this...

Yes, I know I have posted this cake before in a color post...but I LOVE it....I really, really do.  The minute I saw the shoes I knew this cake would be the perfect match. The repeating pattern on the shoes (the detail going up the front) and the cake, the color - sure do make a pretty match, no?  Plus, I would be oh so tempted to paint my toenails white just for fun, and just in case my pinky toe slipped out!

Be sure to check out these lovely blogs for more Tuesday Shoesday goodness:

~ Postcards & Pretties ~ Brancoprata ~ Life in the Superburbs ~ Magnolia Rouge ~ Landlocked Bride ~ The Demosielle ~ Swatchbook Weddings ~ A Realistic Wedding  ~ Merci New York ~

~ Ciao

...shoes via barneys and cake by my sweet and saucy via once wed

LCW Honeymoon Style: A Scarf

My dears - I completely forgot to wish you a happy September yesterday!  I think it is because I never got around to a second post, but whatever the reason is, I hope that your September is spectacular ;-)  And I must wish you a happy Labor Day weekend too!  Weeeee - I just love long holiday weekends.

It's funny how the last couple of days I have woke up to crisp mornings...I can already feel Fall in the air.  I think others would disagree, as the days are still hot, but that morning air with the cool breeze making the leaves rustle in the trees is definitely Fall in my book.  I would have to say the month of September is my second favorite month of the year.  July being my first.  But someway, somehow September is ALWAYS a good month.  I don't mind pulling on a sweatshirt to go on a evening stroll ;-)  Or snuggling up because I'm a tad cold.  Maybe that's it - September is the start of cuddling weather!  And I LOVE to cuddle.

Yet, Fall isn't here just yet. And while the days are still hot....I think this holiday weekend, I just might squeeze in a couple more days playing in the sun - slipping on a sundress, exploring a small beach town, all  while wearing a scarf in my hair.  Just like this...

I adore this look, don't you?  It has such a stylish ease to it.  Goodness, I wish I always could dress like this!

Oooh, and speaking of holiday's - wouldn't this look be perfect for your honeymoon.  You could wear it while exploring a small beach town...on the Amalfi coast!

You bet your buttons I am wearing a scarf in my hair this weekend - I must as this might be my last opportunity to do so this Summer...and I have just the perfect one too. 

Anyhoo, hoping you enjoy the last days of Summer my loves!  And do something fun...and a bit different.  Because as Aunt Millie always says:  "It takes all kinds of people to make up this world...it would be boring if we were all alike." Isn't that the truth!  ;-)

Stay safe this weekend.  Mwah, mwah!

P.S. - I plan on getting back on track, and caught up this weekend!  Plus I have some good things happening next week....Luna and Chloe Handcrafted on Etsy will be open for business on Thursday, as well as OTMVR will be in a shop - yippee!  I will have to show you my design and styling for that...which is one of the things I have been working on.  Also, I have another 'Inspiration to Creation' week coming up soon...however, I just might need your help in choosing which one to create...as I can't decide ;-)  So I'll see you back here on Sunday for some sweetness...and Monday for your Fall 'Flowers of the Week!'

~ Ciao

...image via that inspirational girl

Guest Post: Postcards & Pretties

Hi!!! Chris from Postcards & Pretties here and I'm delighted to guest post on LCW while Kristi is out enjoying some quality time with her family. Today's board was inspired by my all-time destination crush, ITALY!!  I wanted to steer clear of the typical vineyard theme usually associated with Italy and focus my inspiration from another Italian beverage...cappuccino. Just the word alone is romantic...right? The soft color palette is warm and inviting just like the beverage itself and when accompanied with some pistachio panetonne, it makes for one delicious pairing. 

{colors} cappuccino, pistachio, cream

{photos} bouquet {martha stewart weddings} cappuccino {evan's kitchen ramblings} bicycle {torie jayne} sunhat {the cinderella project} stacked books & bottles, kraft place setting {design sponge} long veil {emilie gerard via oncewed} potted plant {jose villa} miniature panetonne {martha stewart weddings}  pleated skirt {elle}

Flowers of the Week: 8.1.11

Happy first day of August darlings!  So sorry for only one post on Thursday, and no post on Friday last week...it has been a whirlwind around here with my family coming in on Wednesday, and getting ready for the Fizz & Frills event this coming weekend in San Francisco.  I am going to be there with lots of goodness, as are lots of other fabulous vendors, so I sure do hope that you stop by and say 'HI'!!!!  If you haven't purchased your tickets yet,you can do so right HERE ;-)))

I do have to tell you that I am OVER THE MOON about all the time with my family!  Goodness, my niece and nephew are soooo darling.  I didn't think it was possible to love them any more than I already did...but I do - BIG TIME!!!  And why is it that babies just smell so darn good?  Golly I could sniff my niece and nephew all day long.

Okay, I know...wedding  blog and 'Flowers of the Week' ;-)  And I have some fabulous ones for you today.  Have a look-see at this loveliness...

Lovely, no?  I L-O-V-E the fern frond and flower at each place...just the kind of detail that sends me over the moon.  Plus, I think you all know how I feel about ferns ;-)

This week I am booked solid with family activities - Monterey Bay Aquarium and Gilroy Gardens to name two, and work, and getting ready for the Fizz and Frills event that I will try my hardest to post every day...but I can't promise it. 

I can promise a FABULOUS guest post from Chris at Postcards and Pretties that you won't want to miss on Wednesday though!  So be sure to stop by...and I promise that life and LCW will be back to normal after next week ;-)  Wishing you all a wonderful week!  Mwah.

~ Ciao

...photography by jose villa via style me pretty

Two: Bright Sweets

Happy Wednesday darlings!  I am in an extra bright and cheerful mood today ;-)))  Oh yes, my sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew and mom should be arriving soon, and I couldn't be more OVER THE MOON!  And while I love soft colors, today I thought I would post something nice and bright to match my mood.  Actually two bright things...that just so happen to be sweet! 

How fabulous would these brightly colored rock candy sticks be on a dessert table, or even given as favors...

So cheerful, no?  Another way you could bring these bright colors into your big day is with these...

Your own brightly colored soda pop!  Seriously, how fun are these?  Hmm, I wonder if they would leave your tongue blue, or green or pink?  And if they do, I think I want mine to be pink today...what about you? 

~ Ciao

...images via vintage rose garden & style me pretty

On the Table: Fabulous Fruit

I think it's been ages since my last 'On the Table' post - I will definitely have to get better about posting them more often...starting with today!

And with yesterday being the first day of Summer and all - I thought this fabulous fruit centerpiece would be the perfect pic to post today, as it has Summer written all of it... 

Gorgeous, no?  I adore the pop of color from the tablecloth, and the simple white compote.  I would love to see these centerpieces on long tables, placed here and there on the table.  Plus, with just a couple of other details - like fruit and leaves on the table, a handful of vintage bottle of leaves and blossoms, and some candles I think it would make for some stunning decor! 

Of course you could always bring in a fun or cute element at each place setting too.  I can think of a handful of things to do - like each guests name written in white ink on a leaf at each place, the napkin wrapped with simple twine and with a blossom stuck in the knot, of course a cute flag on a stick with a name on it, stuck in a piece of fruit at each setting would be darling and fun...  But tell me loves, what would you do?

~ Ciao

...photography sang an

Flowers of the Week: 6.20.11

I am actually quite excited that it is Monday today...yes, believe it or not ;-)  As this week (on Tuesday) is the official start of Summer, and I couldn't be more over the moon about it.  And with temps supposed to be in the 90's on Tuesday, I am looking forward to pulling out my white linen dress and kicking off Summer with a smile!

And speaking of white - how about this gorgeous white bouquet...

Ah yes, the perfect way to start off the week and the official start Summer.  Don't you just love how big the blooms are?  And of course this gorgeousness was created by the uber talented Kate, of Flowerwild...who was featured in the latest Martha Stewart Weddings magazine...yep, she's that fabulous!

Wishing you a fabulous week, and an amazing Summer my dears...I have a feeling it is going to be a really good one!

~ Ciao

...photography by jose villa via flowerwild

Darling Detail No. 13: Frosted Roses

Now these frosted roses really are darling...

 

And in the most perfect shades of green!  Goodness, I am just loving the color.  Oh and wait - it gets better - yes, better.  You can make these yourself with the step by step DIY created by Strawberry Chic.  See better ;-) 

Hmm, I think if you added some bunting it would be the perfect wedding cake, don't you?  However, I will probably be trying this technique on the next cake I bake I love it that much!

~ Ciao

...images via strawberry chic

Sweet Spring Green

I couldn't help but post this fabulous cake as it is the prettiest shade of Spring Green...

I am telling you - if I was ever to do a green cake this color would be it!  Hope this adds some sweetness to your Spring day! 

~ Ciao

...photography by elizabeth messina via kiss the groom

Bunny Marshmallows

*First, let me just preface that this is kind of a random post*  I am not one to buy all the pre-packaged holiday sweets and what-not!  I would much rather prefer to do something different like make or create something...so typically me right?  Anyhow, I ran to Target (the place where my money flies out of my purse as soon as I step foot in the door on who knows what...example coming very soon) the other day to pick up some much needed contact solution (a tax write-off...for next year of course) only to be enticed to have a look around.  Go figure.  As I am sure you already know, I found a couple of other things that I did not need.  However, in looking in the Spring section I ran across bunny marshmallows, and thought that I really need to put together an Easter basket for my favorite baby girl (my sister's daughter)!  I love to find all kinds of cute little things (toys, games, t-shirt, socks...I'm a huge sock buyer for some reason...etc...) with just one or two sweets for her.

While I know my sissy is not huge on filling an Easter basket full to the brim with candy for her, I couldn't help but think that she would absolutely be fine with bunny marshmallow.  Don't get me wrong my sissy lets my niece have a little something sweet everyday or almost everyday, but she is so good about not going overboard with it.  Yes, my niece is one of those 4 year olds that can stand in line at the grocery store, right next to the candy section and not ask for one thing!  I was shocked the first time I witnessed it...granted she looked but didn't ask.  So when we got  into the car I said that I couldn't believe that she didn't ask for something...and Cole (my sissy) said she never does...and never has really.  So I know she's doing something right!  Actually a lot of things right!!!

Okay, totally got a tad bit sidetracked - so back to what I meant to talk about...bunny marshmallows...because we all know how totally important those are right?  He he :-)  Goodness gracious do you think I can stay focused today? 

For the third time - Yes, I purchased the bunny marshmallows thinking that they would be cute to put in my niece's Easter basket.  While I have made homemade marshmallows in the past, I think the store bought ones would travel better to Florida for Easter.  (Of course, I will be buying a new bag when I send them.)  Yet, I wouldn't send the bag so I had to come up with a cute way to package them.  Which then got me thinking that they also might be a super simple, cute and fun favor idea (to include in a treat bag or at each place setting or something...) to use at a Spring bridal shower or wedding...the whole point of this post!  Anyhow, here is a simple way I thought was cute...

I have to admit that the bunnies are cute!  I love when the simplest things are in a nice package don't you?  It makes them better somehow doesn't it?

Hopefully my niece is going to think they are extra special bunny marshmallow because they are packaged so pretty.  I have to add a note on the paper inside, at the top, that says:  "Some bunny loves you".  Hey she's four, I can be corny ;-)  Anyhow, just thought I would share how I get sidetracked and throw together a photo shoot together at midnight...ha ha!  Now I need to find lots of other little goodies to go with them.

~ Ciao

...concept, design, styling & photography all by luna and chloe weddings

Darling Detail No. 6: Spring Sprig

I have to tell you that I am loving this simple save the date card wrapped with green twine...

Add a petite bloom...and it is downright darling!  And that little birdie is so sweet, don't you think?  So simply perfect for Spring.

~ Ciao

...image (edited) via frolic

Make a Statement

In yellow or green for Spring...

If you don't already know, I will let you in on a little secret...I L-O-V-E Elva Fields creations.  I know I have featured her necklaces before, but I seriously think I need to do a post for each season with some of her newest pieces.  And wanna know something even more fabulous?  She now has a bridal section on her website.  Eeks, now I am over the moon!

~ Ciao

...images via elva fields

Flowers of the Week: 3.21.11

Spring has finally arrived and I couldn't be more thrilled!  Hooray for green grass, fresh blooms, warmer days, eating outside and longer nights.  It's funny how I feel like I hibernate once Winter starts.  Yet, with the arrival of Spring I am running for the front door...wanting to get out and explore. 

Another thing I love about Spring is all the petite flowers that bloom. Grape hyacinth (also known as Muscari), forget-me-knots, snowdrops and narcissus are all fabulous; only making their appearance once a year.  And what an appearance it is...

I love the whole feel of this bouquet!  Like it was gathered on a morning walk and tied together with a pretty ribbon.  And the color is just gorgeous too.  Such a perfect bouquet to welcome Spring, no?

So are you as excited as I am about Spring? Oh, I hope so...as I have some lovely Spring things lined up for this week.  Here's to a great week here at LCW and where ever you are too!

~ Ciao

...images 1 & 2 photography (edited) by lisa warninger image 1 via frolic & image 2 via project wedding

Homemade: Twig Tags

Happy Thursday my dears!  Hope everyone is having a lovely week so far.  Mine has been busy, but fabulous.  And while I didn't again have time to put together my own homemade project together for you, I did find one that I think you will love.  With only three items needed to do, it is something for everyone.

I am adoring these simple twig tags I found in Martha Stewart Living April 2011 issue...

All you need for this project is: (1) small branches 1/4 to 1/2 around; (2) a vegetable peeler; and, (3) a permanent marker.  That's it.

At one end of the branch strip a couple of inches of bark with the vegetable peeler to make a flat surface.  Using the marker add whatever you would like.  If the branch is green and oozes sap when peeled, just allow it to dry overnight before you write on it.

Wouldn't these be great to use at weddings either for escort cards, seating cards, table number markers, or even on the dessert table?  Or you could use them in plant favors with "thank you" written on them.  I really love the simplicity of them, and as always there are lots of other ways to use.  Plus, you could dress them up if you wanted to with some twine and a small sprig if using for seating.  So get creative and see what you can come up with!

P.S. - Sorry the picture is slightly blurry!

~ Ciao

...image via martha stewart

Flowerwild February: Day 18

I love the natural feel of this arrangement...

No bright colors or big flowers in this beauty.  It has a calming, welcoming, cozy and easy feeling about it, no?  Absolutely perfect in it's simplicity.

~ Ciao

...images via flowerwild

Into the Woods

There are so many things that I love about this picture.  The colors, the fern, the books, and the bookmarks...

I love the thought of blending in with nature, the down to earth goodness feel, and the homemade bookmarks...which I am over the moon about!  I think a homemade bookmark inside a vintage book would be a lovely favor for guests, don't you?

And to make your own bookmarks, click here to purchase the book.

~  Ciao

...image via melanie falick books