Sneaky Peak

Yeah! My new business cards are here! Erin over at Studio 317 did the design work and I am so pleased with how they turned out. I love the simplicity and cleanliness of the look. (If you know me just a tid bit, you know I love simplicity and clean lines. You also know I believe that less is almost always more) :) Thank you Erin for a perfect display of my vision. If you haven't visited Erin's blog or website yet, what are you waiting for? Get over there!



What do you think?? :)

A Breath of Fresh Air

Cheesy? I don't care, because it was a day greatly needed. It started out this morning, by hearing the peaceful coos of sweet doves outside our kitchen window. I cannot begin to explain how ecstatic I am that these little lovers have chosen our eves to make their home under. Hubby and I have been spying on them the last couple days, hoping they would get their nest all together, and they finally did!

I really could not get a good picture of the nest, but here is proof that they do in fact live under our eves. (I swear if those blue jays come and try to eat their eggs, I will shoot them!)

Some pretty flowers in our front yard

Then, I took hubby up to the foot hills for a surprise picnic. It was a win-win situation...we ate yummy food, laid by the river, relaxed in flower-filled meadows, read a book, watched the sunset, and oh, we even rode the Harley. The only down-fall was that we couldn't use the picnic basket-it wouldn't fit in the saddle bags. :) It was a beautiful day and actually, my first time away from the computer in a long while, so that was lovely.

I just could not believe how green it was up there. This was one of my very favorite pictures. And I wonder why... Maybe it's because of all the glorious snow still up on those mountains?

Finding some inspiration along the way. {There is just nothing like nature itself. I am so incredibly inspired by every texture, color, and piece of life out there.}

mossy rocks

fun grass

beautiful flowers


Snuck in a picture of the hubby

We went down to the {beach} to touch the water and let me tell you, it felt like ICE CUBES! (Oh and yes, for those of you who don't know, I have gone brunette.)

I will leave you with this. Pure beauty.

Lack of Color...

I am sitting here in complete denial that I have a paper due in 6 hours and counting and I have hardly started it. It is beautiful outside while I am stuck inside with the miserable task of researching and evaluating a tested marketing hypothesis. Some days I think, "Why have I done this to myself?" Then I remind myself that I have wanted a college degree for most of my life and in less than 1.5 years I will be checking this line item off of the TO-DO list! The thought of accomplishing this dream so soon does makes me smile; however, days like today, when it is beautiful outside and all I can think of is bright, cheerful colors, while staring at my naked white walls, irritates the life out of me.

So... I bring to you a story board, inspired out of complete frustration, partial denial, and a love for all things bright, cheerful, and happy. (I may not love the temperatures here in v-town throughout spring and summer, but I do love what it brings about...color, flowers, birds, bbq's & yummy drinks = LIFE)

Clockwise from top:
Bedding - Potterybarn
Flower print - Etsy

Tulip bouquet - Avenue Florist
Bird coasters - Etsy
Vase - Ikea
Leafy green felt rug - MocoLoco
Mojito - Best Room in the House
Shag chair – D&D Building via Point Click Home

Happy EASTER

It is officially Spring and the blossoms outside are simply gorgeous! I can't wait to be with family tomorrow and hunt eggs with our two favorite little people: our niece and nephew.

Have a blessed day enjoying all the marvelous things God has done and created. He is GOOD. HE is risen.


Ps. Have you noticed the birds singing because they are so happy spring is here? Every morning, we are delighted to hear their sweet little songs coming from right outside our kitchen window. Don't forget to listen and look for the small things; I promise they won't disappoint.

Jenn + Gregg III

Here are a few more photos from Jenn & Gregg's wedding

Instead of a head table with the entire bridal party, the bride and groom opted for a sweet heart table with only the two of them so the bridal party was able to sit with their "date." Although I love the grand feeling of a head table, it was thoughtful of the bride and groom and the sweet heart table turned out really cute! I especially loved the thin burlap runner we used.

At the end of the day, all that really matters is that the bride is happy...

...the bride and I with real happy smiles at the end of the day. :)

Vendors:

Photography: Studio317

Event Design: Rachel Trigueiro Events & Creative Design

Florist: Fresno State

Venue: Holland Park West

Jenn + Gregg II

Along with the beach theme, Jenn wanted a simple, clean, and classic wedding, so going with a black and white color scheme seemed obvious. Color was minimal and rightfully so; the natural beauty surrounding the venue was spectacular! In addition to nature's painted canvas, splashes of color showed up in several places... The bride envisioned simple red rose bouquets and they worked just perfectly against the black dresses of the bridesmaids. The neutrals of the burlap, sand, and dune grass were a perfect complement to the surroundings and the orange starfish gave off just enough color to make one smile. (Beautiful pics by Studio317).

Jenn + Gregg I

Jenn desperately wanted a beach wedding, but for several different reasons was unable to have her wedding at the coast. But hey, who says you have to BE at the beach to MAKE the beach? Not us. We made the beach for Jenn & Gregg's wedding and we were 2 hours away from it. The weather was perfect. The bride was perfect. The pictures are perfect. The event was simply and stunningly perfect.


Jenn & Greg wanted a palm tree canopy to stand under during their ceremony; I think it turned out real nice. (After the wedding they planted the two palm trees in their front yard. Love that!)

Love this picture of the bride on the golf cart riding to the ceremony.



Studio317photo

Rustic Chic Easter

Some easy decorating tips: Use what you have! Whether you believe you are a decorator or not, there are things in your home that are perfect for an Easter tabletop; they are just waiting to be pulled out of the cupboards and displayed for all to see.

It's my personal opinion that when combining natural items (such as leaves and birch logs) with classy, stylish pieces (similar to the pink glass bubble candle holders), one creates a tabletop that squeals personality and beauty.

If you don't own "natural" items, I know a great place where you can find some... right outside your front door! Grab a handful of leaves, twigs, or rocks, add a few fresh flowers, pair them with some chic candle sticks and you are on your way to a great Easter tabletop.

If you are feeling especially fancy, add a sweet little whimsy bird. I personally would love to add these salt & pepper shakers to our Easter tabletop. Birds always bring a happy element to the table.

To bring some additional daintiness and color to the table, add some classic pastel Easter egg cups. How cute are these? Oh, I could find so many things to do with these little guys during the rest of the year.

Last but not least, be yourself! Just because your tabletop doesn't look like your neighbors, doesn't mean it's not completely darling and unique. So, step out on a limb, decorate your table for Easter, and while you’re at it, include some fun organic stuff. Happy decorating!

Jonathan Adler's Whimsy Bird S&P Shakers: $48
Pastel Ceramic Egg Cups: $10

Simple Stationary

I find myself wanting to write a lot more letters and send a lot more cards thanks to Mew Paper Arts. I just can't get enough of the originality and sassiness that Alissa brings to each design. After seeing so many invitations with layers and layers of design, it is refreshing to see such brilliance in simplicity. It seems the idea of using characters has been banned from modern design and I am glad to see Alissa bringing it back so beautifully. How fun would it be to give these to your bridal party? Or to the guest-of-honor at a shower? I would be real happy :)

Pencil + Watercolors = Brilliance

Alissa, owner of Mew Paper Arts, has some serious talent. She not only designs gorgeous invitations, she creates custom drawings with pencil and watercolor, then laser prints it on to beautiful shimmer paper or an eco-friendly card stock. As if that wasn't enough, the cards are often embellished with a dash of sparkle too! I am sharing the following design first for a couple of reasons; Blue Jeans and Blue Bird. Enough said. I need this stationary NOW.
There is something about hedgehogs that are so cute and cuddly (besides the fact that they are covered in prickly spines.) James and I would kind of like to own one as a pet some day, but if that doesn't work out, I will have to settle with this adorable stationary.

It's on like Donkey-Kong

Ok so it has nothing to do with Donkey-Kong. But it is on. Spring has come, which means dreadful summer temperatures are around the corner (if you live in the Central Valley, you know what I am talking about and you agree). The motivation and dedication is back.

After several months hiatus, I started running today and I have 3 girls to thank for it. First, my dear friend Jenna of 10 years. Her constant love and dedication to running has always inspired me. (Well, that is a lie. I didn't run a lick in high school except when I played volleyball, but she still inspired me deep down in my soul.) :) It really is because of her (& hubby) that I ever realized I could run and not HATE it. She encourages me and reminds me that it's good to run; she even tells me I do a real good job at it. (Such a preschool teacher :) So thank you Jenna Rae for helping me get my butt back out there running. I will start text-messaging you my times after lent.

(Christmas in Exeter)

(Partying on New Years)

The next girl I have to thank is Aron. Her growing addiction to running, while training for her first marathon has continued to inspire me and help re-ignite the flame that I lost. She has unknowingly been motivating my head-game the last several weeks, preparing me for TODAY. Thank you so much Aron. And keep those motivating running posts coming!

And last but not least, I have to make a huge shout out to Kelly Clarkson: Thank you Kelly for recording Since u been gone, I could not run without it. In fact, I listened to it on repeat the entire run today and I am looking forward to hearing it several times tomorrow. Keep up the singing and the screaming.

Spring + Paper = Love

I have made a new friend. Mew Paper Arts is the place, Alissa is her name. Boy oh boy, I am in love. Her custom designs are to die for and her site is just full of delicious eye candy. To keep with our cherry blossom theme, I have picked the cherry blossom wedding invitation. I will be posting more of my favorites in the days to come, so stay tuned. I can't wait for you to see her hand drawn designs, you will be amazed.

White

I have been desperately needing and wanting some white vases. Most of the above are from westelm - a place in which I looove. Problem is, some are no longer available...some are too expensive...some are not exactly what I want. I would like to find some inexpensive white pods similar to the middle row, picture on the left. Can anyone help me?

Oh boy...

I am REAL happy today :) Abby featured our wedding on my most FAVORITE blog... Style Me Pretty. You see, I started reading Abby's blog before I even knew what "blogging" was. (Yes, I am behind). When i came across her blog over a year ago, I didn't know it was a blog, I just knew I loved it and I loved her. Oh how I felt so special to be a part of the smp world for one day. Being featured on SMP is like being on Oprah in the blogging world. So thank you Abby for making my day! :) If you have not visited Abby's blog, please, please, PLEASE, do yourself a favor and take a trip over there. She WILL inspire you; she provides only the best of the best.

Here is a little taste of what she set up for us :) (I cannot stop staring at little Grace in this picture, oh my goodness.)

Tabletops: Spring

More cherry blossoms to make you smile... (Or is it to make me smile?) Happy almost Spring and cherry blossoms, and Happy ALMOST Friday. :-)

Tabletops: Spring

Being that I am a winter girl to the core, I am not so thrilled for the change of weather that is upon us. However, if there is one thing I love about spring, it is cherry blossoms. Besides their sheer beauty, I love the versatility they offer. Cherry blossoms are perfect for weddings, baby showers, Asian themes, Spring/Easter parties, nursery decorations, home decorations, the list goes on! I only wish they lasted longer. It seems as though one day they are here and the next they are gone.
Cupcakes: Hostess with the Mostess
Cherry Blossom Tub: Layla Grace
Mini Cake Ornament: Pretty Girl Things Etsy Shop
Scroll "Vivienne" Invitation: Paper*Girl
Blossom Glass Candle Votive: Ideal Favors

Tabletops: Birdies

I have been really into birds ever since our wedding. Lately I have been obsessing over bird houses. This little birdhouse says Welcome. So perfect for a baby shower. Besides the sweet little birds and their house, the table is covered in sheet moss, (available at most craft & specialty stores), dehydrated mushrooms (specialty stores), and birch logs and bark chips from Pottery Barn.

Tabletops: Clean Spring

White, green, splashes of yellow...makes for a happy, clean spring! :)

Tabletops: Easter

Fun with tabletops. Bunnies, chickadees, eggs, jelly beans & real fun colors.