Gift Wrapping Idea

I was wrapping a gift for a birthday party that my daughter was attending this weekend, but wasn't sure about what I would do to finish it off.  I was looking at the pattern of the gift wrapping paper that I bought from Target, which as you can see is watercolor like petals.  I decided to deconstruct the wrapping paper and then reconstruct it into a flower from the petals from the wrapping paper. 

  

I started by cutting out some individual petals and I cut a strip of paper that I could use as a stem.  I then placed some double stick tape of the backs of the petals and then assembled them until it looked like a flower.  Simple, right?

 

I think it's kinda cute. What do you think?

  

 

Sent Well

Are you one of those people who is rushing out at the last minute to buy a birthday card because you forgot or are simply short on time?  The company Sent Well is the perfect solution for you.  You simply choose from their selection of wonderful cards and they will write a note in for you and send it off.  How easy is that?!  You can even queue up all your cards with their card list so that you won't be behind again.  Check out Sent Well and send out some love.

 1. Congrats on Your New Baby 2.CONGRATS to you both on tying the "knot"

3. Go Hog Wild! Happy Birthday 4. Sending a Big Thanks Your Way 5. You're Killer

 

 

First Communion Party

If you've been following along, I've been posting here and there about my daughter's first communion.  If you missed it, you can read about it here and here.  The day finally arrived at the end of April and today I'm sharing how the party turned out.  I wanted the style to be sweet and feminine, so I decided on a palette of pale pink and gray.  When my daughter chose a dress that had some lace in it, I also added some touches of lace to the decor.  

 

The trellis pattern was scattered throughout, starting with the invitations I designed.  I also made napkin rings with the same trellis pattern. 

This light fixture hangs above my kitchen table.  I like to add special touches to unexpected places.  I also like placing decor up high so that your eye moves up, like the greens I added above the dessert table or the flowering branches I hung on some pendant lights. 

 

The cake and macarons were made by the wonderful Heather of Gracie Moonpie & Co.  I really admire Heather's attention to detail.  She didn't just make the cake, she asked me the right questions to ensure that the cake fit well with the overall style of the party.  As you can see, the gray cross and trellis pattern also found its' way onto the design of the cake.  If you live in Southeast Michigan and need something sweet made check out Gracie Moonpie & Co.  Their cakes taste as good as they look and Heather is an absolute joy to work with.   

  
My mother-in-law made cross shapped cookies and my mother made various mini desserts including coconut cheesecakes topped with mango.  It's so nice to have family who are willing to lend a hand.

   

  

 

 





It's Her Business: Paper Fort

This post will be a It's Her Business + Blog Love in one type of post because I have lots to say about this small business owner.  I LOVE Twitter and I'm on it a lot, probably too much.  I find so many great people, blogs and products through Twitter like the person I'm about to introduce to you.  Meet Khrystle, owner of Paper Fort.  She creates these super adorable travel journals for girls.  These immediately caught my eye because I have a daughter in second grader who I'm always trying to encourage and empower in every way possible.  The journals are made right here in Michigan too, which makes this fellow Michigander smile.  

Khrystle hopes that the travel journal inspires girls, and their families, to go on adventures and explore new places. She would love to see families put away their electronic devices and play road games together. She also hopes that girls are inspired to draw and write about their travels, because her favorite memories are ones that she captured this way.  On top of offering travel journals, Khrystle also offers other graphic design services too.

 

You have to check out Khrystle's blog Paper Fort Studio too.  It's unique, fun and honest.  I love her series Fear Confessions that includes guest bloggers who are small business owners like Khrystle.  What I love about this series is that we see so many blogs out there where the bloggers seem to live these perfectly stylish lives, which is totally not realistic.  The truth is we all have faults and fears and it's comforting to know that someone else does too.  It's something that I and I think other people can relate to.  I don't always wear the perfect outfit and I've had more than one craft fail.  I'm a person trying to make my dreams come true just like the people in the series and along the way we have a bump or two in the road.  Whether you're a creative or not, you will be able relate to these personal stories in Fear Confessions. 

So did I give you enough reasons to go over and visit Khrystle and Paper Fort?  I sure hope I did.  Summer vacation is just around the corner and I know plenty of families who are planning trips.  It's a great time to buy a travel journal for a special little girl in your life and support a small business owner along the way.  

Outdoor Party Inspiration

My husband uncovered some of our patio furniture and I'm aching to have a meal outside.  Whether fancy or casual, I love the thought of taking a party or event outdoors.  At least when the weather cooperates.  Here's some inspiration I found.  I'm totally swooning over the table under the magnolia tree.  I'm a Midwest girl who happens to love anything Southern.  Little decor is needed because mother nature has done most of the decorating for you, although I like seeing indoor furniture taken outdoors.  Now all you need are great friends and great food.

HWTM//Style Unveiled
Style Me Pretty Living //Inspired By This

Dressed Up Mantel

Happy Friday friends! I just wanted to share with you today a picture of my mantel. Last weekend my family celebrated my daughter's first communion and I had a bunch of left over flowers from her party, so I dressed my mantel with them. I should have changed the water in the vase with the branches in them before I snapped the photo, otherwise, I think the mantel looked really pretty and full of life with the fresh blooms. I hope to share with you some pics from the first communion celebration in the near future so, stay tuned. I had tons of fun planning it and I think it turned out to be just lovely. This weekend I'll be celebrating my daughter's fourth birthday, so there's no rest for me. What are you up to this weekend? Whatever you have planned, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

It's Her Business: Everly Lane Design

Neon Gold Punch 5 Fancy Frill Fans Tissue Garland

I found out about Everly Lane Design through a post by Brett over at I Am The Lab and I just had to share.  Her creations fit in perfectly with what I like to do, which is style parties of course.  Jess Jamison, owner of Everly Lane Design creates party wares that will add some sparkle and shine to your next shindig.  Check her out!  She's pretty darn fabulous. 

I really digging this color combo for spring and summer of this Pink, Lemon & Apricot Amazingness Tissue Tassel Tower.

 

"Sparkle & Shine".  Enough said.

Globes of Glimmer Pinks & Peach Honeycomb Tissue Garland

 

Mother's Day Gifts for the Garden Lover

I'm most definitely a garden lover.  I find watering my plants and flowers and weeding therapeutic.  So, these are some things that are on my Mother's Day wish list.  I'm totally into the vintage feel of this "queen bee" pot and the spoon garden markers.  How about growing some mushrooms in a box?  I'd give it a go.  The veggie tea towel would for sure find it's way into my kitchen.  What's not to love about the eco friendly seeded greeting cards?  What's on your Mother's Day wish list or what are you giving your Mom? 

Onion Skin Design//Back to the Roots Garden
The High Fiber Co. //Ruffle House Art //Daisy Chestnut