Aisle Style: Simple Benches & Spools

Good morning loves!  You know how I love different, right?  Well when I came across this aisle style on the super talented Jeni's blog, The Found Blog, I fell head over heels in love with it.  Have a look-see at this sweetness...

It's just so simple and lovely - just look at those hills!  Sometimes things get over done, however, this is just perfect.  Slim benches with a darling detail...

Large vintage industrial spools painted pretty shades...

The softest pinky-purpley blooms and yarn...

And delicate foliage in lace pots, kept safe within some vintage baskets...

You bet your buttons I L-O-V-E it all!

~ Ciao

...photography by jose villa via the found blog

Flowers of the Week: 11.7.11

Good morning darlings! Even though today is the 7th of November, it is the first Monday in November...which just seems weird to me for some unknown reason. Another thing that's weird is it getting dark at 5:30 p.m.! The extra hour of sleep last night I was TOTALLY fine with ;-)...but getting dark an hour earlier - NOT okay! Am I the only one that feels this way? Please tell me no.

And while I am in the mood for some oh so pretty flowers today - neither bright colors nor soft colors are doing it for me on this first Monday in November. However, these, these are...

Love, love, love! This is just the right amount of pretty for me today. Add to that the rustic feel of the bouquet, and a hint of glam from the brooch, and I think I just found the PERFECT bouquet to start November off with...wouldn't you agree?

Hmm, yes this is exactly how I like to start my Monday's - with pretty! Tell me darlings - how do you like to start your Monday's?

~ Ciao

...images via a savvy event

Perfectly Presented: Cake Table

Good morning darlings! How are you this fine Wednesday morning? Well, I hope.

Goodness, it has been a while since I have done a 'Perfectly Presented' post.  However, I cannot tell you how over the moon I am about this cake table presentation...

It is just perfection, no?  Well you know how I feel about the vintage industrial sized wooden spool...AH.MAZ.ING in case you didn't...but the burlap is fabulous too.  I love how it's wrapped around the middle of the spool.  Plus the burlap on top with the ruffle, and the burlap covered potted plants, the two arrangements in vases, and the flowers on the top are all just so perfecly pretty to me.  And just so you know, I am dying to add one of these to Over The Moon Vintage Rentals collection!

Don't you love it when you run across an image that makes you catch your breath?  This one did just that for me ;-)  Hopefully it did it for you too!

~ Ciao

...photography by matthew morgan via the wedding chicks

Darling Detail No. 25: Wheat Garland

Good morning darlings ;-)  Well, I decided I can't do 'Fall Week' without a darling detail, now can I?  And the detail that I am loving for Fall is this wheat garland...

Natural, earthy rusticness is just perfect for Fall.  And it would be so simple to make!  Goodness, I see a small project coming on ;-)

~ Ciao

...image via 100 layer cake

Flowers of the Week: 10.17.11

Hi loves!  Happy Monday to you.  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  I can tell you I spent most of mine trying to get better.  I think I slept pretty much since Thursday...so sorry no post on Friday...I just had the flu hit me like a ton of bricks, and it really knocked me off my feet.  However, I am feeling better now, and I have lots of catch up to do today.  But I figured I would make this week - FALL WEEK.  So all my posts this week will be Fall inspired...which I thougth might be a little fun ;-)  Plus, I am really trying to get into the Fall mood...and I was hoping this might do the trick...we shall see!

And since it is Fall Week around here, I thought kicking off the 'Flowers of the Week' with this bouquet was most appropriate...

Oh so pretty wheat wrapped up with brown lace - doesn't get much more Fall than that!  You know what loves, I think I am heading out to pick up some wheat...as I just got a little idea for some decor for the shop next month.  See you back here in a bit with some Fall inspired LCW Style ;-)

~ Ciao

...photography by stephanie williams via jl designs

Who Says

...you can't have avocados as favors?

And anyone that knows me, and knows how I feel about avocados - knows that I am OVER THE MOON about this! Love the display too with those drawstring sacks, and those vintage tin tubs and canisters!

~ Ciao

...image via smitten magazine

Tuesday Thought: GOURDgeous

I think to celebrate this first Tuesday in October - I am going totally rustic, Fall, country on you...if that makes any sense!  You all know how sometimes simple can be stunning, right?  Well, I think the simplicity of this...

is pretty stunning in a Fall, rustic way!  Such an interesting display of gourds, no?  I know we have all probably seen them before, but maybe just not in this way.  And you can always cut off the bottoms on some bottles so that the gourds could fit...or use cloche's, candlesticks, vases, etc...  I'm sure lots of fabulous things fit in there year around!  But I do LOVE this idea.

So here is your easy, breezy 'Tuesday Thought' my darlings:  Use gourds and clear glass jars, vases and even candlesticks to rest your gourds on or in for lovely centerpieces!  How pretty would this look all lined down a long table...white a white table cloth and a burlap runner...and lots and lots of candlelight so when it starts to get dark the candlelight can bounce off all the pretty glass.  Can you picture it?  It's an easy, eco-friendly centerpiece idea ;-)

My mom used to grow gourds to decorate with when she lived in Southern Indiana.  They are quite easy to grow, however letting them dry out (you know when they are dry when the seeds rattle inside) and then having to scrub them with soap and water, and sometimes even bleach was time consuming and a task...so while you could grow your own, if you had the time and space, for some of you I think it would be much easier to buy some of them...from here (I did NOT compare prices when looking, but the prices seemed reasonable and there was a great selection), or any other place you might find.  Yet, I do like the look of the ones above with some of the spots and colors versus the gourds that are completely scrubbed clean...so I would most definitely plant and grow my own...as long as I had the time ;-)  To find out how to clean them, click right here.

Oh, I bet a local farmers market might have some at this time of year, so you could check there too!  Just a thought for you darlings.  Hope you have a wonderful rest of the day ;-)

~ Ciao

...image via country home

Flowers of the Week: 10.3.11

Happy October sweet peas!  Can you believe it?  I can't ;-)

So tell me - how was your weekend?  I quite enjoyed mine.  I made a trip over to see my brother in Monterey.  I packed my sunnies and a scarf and some warm clothes, as it always is colder in Monterey than in San Jose.  However, when I arrived it was sunny and 72 - so a very nice day!  I am working on a post for Luna and Chloe Style that will have a weekend in review in pictures - it should be up later today...so you can always get a better glimpse into my weekend there ;-)  But I do have to tell you I sipped on a Mai Tai and had fresh cut artichokes from a farm stand.  The artichokes were DELICIOUS too!  Oh and I found two fabulous copper trays for my inventory for Over The Moon Vintage Rentals...and if you want to know what a copper tray is then click right HERE to see!

Anyhoo, how about some 'Flowers of the Week' for you.  Now this bouquet has a rustic, vintage vibe to it.  And  not only is it full of textures, but it is STUNNING!  Have a look-see sweet peas...

I oh so LOVE it, don't you?  And you know I love that fabric it's sitting on...as it's like LCW's header color ;-) 

Hope this bouquet brightens your day!  I will see you back here in a bit with my second post of the day ;-) 

~ Ciao

...photography by be imbued 2

Tuesday Shoesday #42: Terracotta & Flowers

Good Tuesday Shoesday to you my dears!  Since last Friday was the first day of Fall, I thought that I should post some Fall inspired shoes ;-)  And what's more Fall than a pair of rusty orange terracotta colored suede Giuseppe Zanotti's...

Eeks - this color is sooo my sister ;-)  I can't wear this color, except on my feet, but my sister looks fabulous in it! 

Anyhoo, while these shoes are quite a statement, I don't think you would want a terracotta colored cake!  But have no fear darlings, as you can bring in little punches of this terracotta color in in the form of flowers...

Paired with some golden yellows and soft greens, it is perfect for an early Fall affair!  I love how the shoes and flowers are both cutouts, don't you?  Eeks - I heart details...in case you didn't know ;-)

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

...images via net-a-porter and sarah's stands

Tuesday Thought: Breakfast by the Barn

Cock-a-doodle-doooooooooooooooooo darlings ;-)  It's time to rise and shine!  Now that's a way to start the day, no?  Hehe.

I know, usually my Tuesday Shoesday post comes first on Tuesdays and not my Tuesday Thought...however, with a title like Breakfast by the Barn I figured this one just had to come first...no question about it like the whole chicken or the egg debate!

Anyhoo, how I would love to eat breakfast here every morning...

Such a simple and sweet breakfast table.  I adore the place mats, and the eggs.  Did you see how they used twine tied in loose knots to hold the eggs?  Fabulous idea!  And all this inspiration got me thinking...and not about a breakfast reception ;-)

So here is your Tuesday Thought for today:  Host a morning after breakfast for your guests!  I know not an original thought - but one definitely worth repeating ;-)  When I got married 11 years ago, we did this for our guests since just about every single person came from out of town.  (It was mentioned in the Elegant Bride spread posted yestereday.) It doesn't have to be anything elaborate - bagels, muffins, donuts, fruit, coffee, etc... 

But let me tell you - it was so FABULOUS spending time with our guests after the wedding.  I got to hear all about the events that I missed...like at the cigar and cognac bar...were every guy and girl just about was smoking a cigar!  Where was I? Or the fact that our caterer ran out of beer...I warned her about this...and having to make a late night run to the grocery store...in our town of 9,000, she was lucky the grocery store was still open!  And lots and lots of other stories. 

Granted, we had all the guests back to the house after the reception (I know call me crazy)...I had beer bottles along every single inch of my wrap around porch to prove it ;-)...but we were too busy still celebrating to talk about all the happenings of the day and night.  It wasn't until the next morning when we actually got to hear all the stories, and were able to relax with our guests.  The breakfast was one of the best decisions I made!  I wouldn't have wanted it any other way ;-)  And neither will you!

Just an early morning thought for you darlings.  Now...who wants a mimosa?

~ Ciao

...images via design sponge

Sunday Sweetness

...is enjoying a Fall day with friends and family!

So perfect for a casual rehearsal dinner, no?  So I wonder where I am sitting ;-)  Hope your enjoying your first Fall weekend loves.  See you back here tomorrow!

~ Ciao

...image via country home

Darling Detail No. 23: Snowflakes

Okay, so I know I am getting ahead of myself on this one a bit ;-)  But I know there are lots of winter brides out there that would still have time to add this detail into their rustic winter wonderland wedding!

I think these snowflake topped cakes are just darling...

I adore details like this, don't you?  And I am loving the sugar coating on the cake and snowflake in the first picture...makes it look like it's just snowed!  Eeks - these DETAILS are making me smile ;-)

~ Ciao

...photography by aaron snow via the weddding chicks

Tuesday Thought: The Note Book

So I just have to say it - one more day until my family arrives!!!  WEEEEEEE ;-)) I CANNOT wait to hug and kiss and sniff on my niece and nephew!  I have missed them soooo much I can't even begin to tell you.  I know, I know...I'll give it a rest, and get on with this 'Thought'.

The other day I was on Etsy looking for a particular item when I stumbled across this...

A homemade notebook with a vintage deer on it! And I thought that it was just so dang cute that I had to see what else the seller, Arminho, had...which was lots of cuteness with a variety of different styles and colors to choose from.  So be sure to pop on over and have a peek.

Anyhoo, when I saw this Note Book (which is 4 x 5.5...a great size) I had a fabulous little thought or two ;-))  So here is your 'Tuesday Thought' my dears:  Use the Note Book as escort cards and favors in one!  Easy, no?

You can write the guests name and table number on the front.  Or I think they would be fabulous placed inside a little envelope or flat styled kraft paper bag.  I would write the guests names on the bag, the table number on the Note Book and wrap it up with a piece of twine - eeks so fabulous!  But I might be inclined to just write the name and table number on the bag and leave the Note Book nice and neat for them...all still wrapped up cute though ;-)  However, it really could be used in a variety of ways.

However, you could always just you them as gifts or favors.  Definitely something different...and you know how I like different!  Happy Tuesday my dears...wishing you a wonderful day ;-)

~ Ciao

...image via arminho's shop on etsy

Darling Detail No. 17: Tea Stained Tags

Gotta tell you lovelies that I am adoring these Bride and Groom tags tucked into the forks...

And, you will notice that the tags aren't just for the Bride and Groom - there is one at each seat...

Such a darling detail, no?  Ooh, I am loving that boot glass too ;-)

~ Ciao

...photography by metcalfe via style me pretty

Inspiration to Creation No. 1: The Details

Goodness, you still with me? Three posts today is a lot!  However, this is the Inspiration to Creation post that I have been waiting all day for ;-)  I do think this is going to be an amazing series, and I hope you love it and find it helpful!  Can't wait to hear your feedback throughout the week.

Okay first things first!  On Friday I showed you the inspiration pictures, so today I want to focus on the details.  Remember I am taking this step-by-step, and the first step is figuring out what makes up this gorgeous table decor.  My first step if I want to recreate a look is to study the picture(s) of the look and then jot down the details of the design.  So again, here are a couple of pictures for you...

Did you study the pictures, and make some notes as to the details?  Yes, fabulous!  Here is a list of the details that I jotted down after I spent some time studying them:

     a.  3 oil lamps
     b.  2 clear glass compotes for the larger flower arrangements
     c.  small votives
     d.  6 mismatched salad plates
     e.  small colored glass vases to hold a couple of sprigs
     f.  owls
     g.  mismatched clear glass bowls for succulents
     h.  6 glasses with gold detail
     i.  7 embroidery hoops
     j.  a variety of sheer and lightweight fabrics
     k.  white table runner
     l.  6 white dinner plates
     m.  6 white napkins
     n.  6 sets of silverware

Did you see them all in the pictures?  A handful of them are obvious, but a couple of them you might have to go back and have another look to notice ;-)

And after looking through what I already had, and a quick trip to Home Goods (one of MY happiest places on earth - hehe) to pick up two green plates and a couple owls, here are most (a through j listed above) of the details I will be using to recreate the look...

You will notice that not all of the details are identical, but they are similar.  The green votive holders (e above) I found at Michael's in the dollar bin for $1.50 each, and plan on using as vases on the table.  I know I have some owls...at the back of my storage unit, that I couldn't get too...but the two above I purchased from Home Goods (were they had bunches of them, in a couple other colors too), and I thought they would work well as I plan on putting succulents in them!  Also, the glasses are on loan from Aunt Millie (love her to pieces I do) and not only do they have gold on them, but a green color too.  However, I am working on another option for gold glasses...I'll have to let you know if it works out...so you'll just have to wait and see ;-) 

There will be more to come every day this week my dears - including a fabulous DIY using items from the dollar store - so be sure to check in everyday at noon as I have decided to do 3 posts a day this week!  See you tomorrow.

~ Ciao

...photography and images via brandon kidd & luna and chloe weddings

Homemade: S'mores Thumbprint Cookies

Happy Thursday loves!  Is everyone getting ready and gearing up for the 4th of July weekend?  OMGoodness - I still can't believe it's this weekend, and I have quite a busy weekend in store too.  Thanks oil light for coming on just before a holiday weekend (it flashed once at me last week, but I kept thinking it would go away...why do I do that, as I know it's not going to go away!)...now I have an appointment for an oil change at the dealership at 8 am on Saturday morning - ugh!  Anyone want to take my car in for me?  Anyone? 

Okay - enough about my sad oil change on Saturday morning at 8 am story and onto yummier things like s'mores!  One popular thing to do over the 4th of July weekend, besides seeing/launching fireworks, is to have a bonfire and make some s'mores.  However, I will not be sitting around a bonfire and making s'mores at any point this weekend (not that I am aware of )...boo!  But I'm not to bummed actually, as I ran across a fabulous alternative.  Have a look-see at these S'mores Thumbprint Cookies...

Yes, a fabulous alternative, no?

So for all the brides out there that want s'mores but, like me, have no bonfire in sight, you can always bake these up and serve at your soiree!  To make this deliciousness yourself, click here for the recipe. 

Happy baking my dears!

~ Ciao

...image via bakers royale

Darling Detail No. 15: Simply Sweet Sugar

One of the simplest and sweetest details ever...

Such a lovely way to make brownies even better, no?  Ah yes, these are the details that I heart!

~ Ciao

...photography by smitten via style my pretty

Picture Perfect Palette No. 7

Yes, it's official...as determined on my previous post today - I'm on a nautical kick!  So I am going to continue on that kick today with a beach inspired Picture Perfect Palette. 

And I know it has been a while since my last PPP post, so I am hoping that this one makes up for it!  So without further ado, here is PPP No. 7...

Such a pretty and calm palette.  Tell me my previous 'Darling Detail' post of the compass escort cards wouldn't be perfect with this palette?  Oh, I think it works perfectly...

And while I know this palette is too bland or blah for most people (however, I do LOVE it), it is a wonderful base for a color palette.  By adding just one color to this palette, whether it be orange, green, yellow, etc...you can create a bunch of fabulous events.

So let's just jump right into this first example of this palette, shall we?  First up is some gorgeous outdoor event inspiration.  Have a look-see at the fabulous curtains...

I love how the venue fits into this palette - from the sand/dirt floor to the fabulous walls.  And by the addition of some gorgeous material set against the beige linen, it makes for quite a gorgeous backdrop.  Carrying the color of the material over to the dessert table, it still keeps in line with the color palette.  Don't the desserts fit perfectly with the palette as well?

Up next is this homespun, homemade, vintage table...

I ADORE the look and feel of this decor.  And look what the addition of just a hint of orange to this palette can create.  Amazing, no?

And moving on from a homespun, vintage style - lets go to the other end of the spectrum with some elegant winter inspired decor.  Here the addition of deep, rich green is brought in, however, still in small batches...

Eeks - I love the way it's used here too!  Just picture charcoal linens, white plates, clear glass vases in a variety of sizes filled with white feathers as centerpieces.  A couple of painted pine cones (a beigy metallic is what I am picturing) and greenery on the table mixed among the vase(s) on the table would add a natural but elegant look.  Lots of candles on the table would complete the look.  Yet, some silky ribbon (possibly tied around the napkin or wrapped around a menu card) in a deep, rich color would be a fabulous addition as well.  Do you see it?  Fabulous, no?

Ahh, so there you have it my dears - a Picture Perfect Palette!  Hmm - that's one palette used four different ways, if you include the beach/compass inspiration...always amazing to see how you can incorporate it into any style of event.  Goodness, I love doing these posts; hope you love them as well.  Here's to a lovely weekend - may it be as fabulous as you!  I'll see you Sunday.

~ Ciao

~ image via pretty stuff, image via lh calligraphy, photography by beaux arts photographie via style me pretty, image via 100 layer cake & domino

Flowers of the Week: 6.13.11

Happy Monday my dears!  So tell me...did you have a lovely weekend?  Do anything fun?  The weather here finally warmed up, and I was able to get outside and take lots of pictures for Over The Moon Vintage Rentals...will be sharing a few with you later today, so be on the lookout for them ;-)

For the 'Flowers of the Week' this week I thought I would give some attention to small arrangements...which can be just as fabulous as the big ones!  So here are two small but fabulous centerpieces that I just adore...

Darling, no?  Oh yes, me likey lots!

Here's to a wonderful week darlings - may you enjoy all the small moments of it.  Mwah.

~ Ciao

...images via a savvy event

Homemade: S'mores Cupcakes

Happy Homemade Thursday my loves!  Good golly are you in for a little bit of heaven today ;-)  I don't know what has gotten into me lately, but I keep finding all these fabulous homemade goodies that I just have to share with you.  And today's S'mores Cupcakes are over the moon! 

I found this yummyness (is that even a word? ) on a new blog I stumbled upon, and fell in love with, called 6 Bittersweets written by Xiaolu.  Maybe you have heard of the blog before?  I have a vague recollection I have been there before, but when I ran across it the other day I looked at page after page of deliciousness (now I know that is a word).   Not only do the recipes sound delicious, but the styling (LOVE the inverted cake tin) and photography is fabulous!  Alright enough talking out of me.  Just have a look-see for yourself...

And here is how Xiaolu describes them:  "moist chocolate cake sandwiched between flavorful graham cracker crust layers and even more chocolate chunks. The best part, though, is the toasted marshmallow frosting that becomes delightfully gooey at first bite."  Tell me that doesn't sound yummy!  Here is what they look like without the marshmallow frosting...

And of course like most things - they definitely look better dressed up a bit ;-)  The torched marshmallow frosting with the small piece of chocolate on top is just perfection...

A fabulous addition to a Fall dessert table!

You can find the recipe for S'mores Cupcakes right here.  I also adore the cuteness of the Oreo Owl Cupcakes,  and the Strawberry N' Cream Cupcakes would be perfect for a Summer soiree.  However, there are other delicious recipes that aren't sweets...so be sure to have a look-see as there is lots of goodness to see.

~ Ciao

...images via 6 bittersweets