Celebrating One

Celebrating One

I can't believe it. Our little girl is going to be one. How did this happen? Other than the obvious… I mean, where did the time go? She is growing up before our eyes and every second of it is precious. This is cause for celebration… right? Not only that she is growing up and achieving milestones [...]

Outdoor Entertaining

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According to the weather report, it's time to move the party outdoors. Just a few simple entertaining essentials can make even a simple meal alfresco seem like a celebration. Seating can often be an issue with impromptu gatherings; stock up on outdoor pillows in a variety of shapes and sizes, like these Marimekko cushions from [...]

Tablescapes for the Romantic

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What is romance exactly? We can describe it, we can feel it, but somehow it feels impossible to define. It is an atmosphere, a sentiment, a gesture and so much more. While romance may not be something we can label as concrete, it is something we can express and create in our events. We can foster [...]

From Neon to… Nature?

Natural Beauty

It is looking like 2012 is off to a bright start. Word on the street is neon is the hottest color palette for the year. Flashback to the '80's anyone? While I am sure neon conjures up images of interesting fashion choices, don't cringe just yet. In 2012, neon is sophisticated, tasteful and couture. Pair [...]

The 12 Days of Christmas: Let’s Make Whoopie

Whoopie!

Made with tender loving care by my grandmother every Christmas, the whoopie pie is a cherished holiday dessert. Fittingly called the "whoopie pie", these baked goods make you want to share the love. Although disputed, according to Wikipedia, these desserts are considered a "…New England phenomenon and a Pennsylvania Amish tradition." Word is that Amish farmers [...]

The 12 Days of Christmas: Holiday Pajamas

Christmas Pajamas

Every year we would look forward to receiving the gift of holiday-themed pajamas on Christmas Eve. All members of the family received a pair and while not necessarily matching, they were most certainly cozy. And while pajamas are sometimes an after-thought for someone's wardrobe, these pajamas were always special. They were special for several reasons; they [...]

The 12 Days of Christmas: A Holiday Craft

Candy Cane Mouse

   Coming up on my first Christmas with a little family of my own, I have spent considerable time reflecting on what has made the holidays special through the years. Looking to the future, there is self-inflicted pressure to decide what traditions my husband and I will carry on as our family grows. And also [...]

11/11/11: Lucky in Love

lucky in love

My morning Facebook feed on Tuesday featured a smattering of November welcomes: "Happy 11.1.11" they all read. This prompted me to think about the upcoming date that many have been looking forward to: November 11, 2011 or 11.11.11. The many looking forward being the incredible number of couples preparing to exchange wedding vows on what [...]

Apple-licious

apples galore!

  It feels like fall today in the desert. Of course, I didn't wait for the cooler temps to welcome the season. I embraced the month of October by heading out to Willcox, Arizona to a beautiful little farm and apple orchard called Apple Annie's. Apple picking is of course, the quintessential fall activity and [...]

Something Old, Something New: An Alternative Bouquet

Bright Colors Brooch Bouquet

Inspiration can come from a variety of sources. This obsession came, quite frankly, from an unproductive (or is it productive) afternoon of Facebook stalking. While I successfully avoided the responsibilities of life and listlessly sifted through friends uploaded and tagged photos, I discovered the brooch bouquet in some wedding pictures. I am in love; it [...]