What To Do With A Blank Wall

photo by hownowdesign

We have a huge wall in the living room that I've never been happy with. I'm dreaming of a gallery and wondering if I can get away with filling the whole thing with pretty frames?

Flowers As Inspiration

photo by mamako7070

Wall Of Inspiration

photo by indierocket

Photo For Inspiration

photo by Sarah Kennon

What's inspiring?
Sunlight streaming in, paintings casually propped against the wall and a stack of girly umbrellas. I wouldn't mind walking in the rain if I had one of these to hold over my head.

Birthday Inspiration

photo from A Field Journal

I've had this fabulous birthday party photo saved for awhile. It floated around blogland earlier this year, but I just had to use it today. My birthday is later this week, and this is the perfect inspiration for a happy, intimate celebration.

The chairs, the colors, the cupcakes...lovely!

A Word of Inspiration

photo by Sarah Parrot

So simple, but so meaningful. Who or what will inspire you today?

Friday Favorite: decor8

Today's Friday Favorite was actually intended for last week. However, I was stuck in bed with a stomach bug, so I saved it. Turns out, this worked out great because the blog I chose fits perfectly with this week's spring theme.

Each time I click over to decor8, a three-year-old design blog written by Holly Becker, it feels like a spring day with the bright colors, clean design and always inspiring posts. From round ups to home and store tours to product reviews, decor8 always has something to stir the creative juices.

above: part of a recent wreath roundup on decor8

With so many blogs to read, I often come across the same topics over and over again. I count on decor8 for inspiration on all things design, decorating and crafty. There is always something I've not seen before or a link to a great new find. Even if a post is going around the blogosphere, Holly covers it with new perspective whether it's through the image she shows or the words she writes.

Here's a rundown of some ongoing series regularly posted on decor8:

Etsy Take 5 Tuesday: Check out Holly's favorite Etsy finds for the week. Be prepared to love more than one.

Get Real Thursday: Holly poses a topic whether it's fun, unusual or insightful, shares her thoughts and then asks for readers opinions.

How much for this room?: I love getting a glimpse into other people's houses, don't you? This fun series gives you the why, where from and how much.

Friday Favorite: m.writes

I have read marta.writes for several months now. I think I found it during a search for mommy blogs and came across a post the author, Marta, wrote shortly after the birth of her son. Having struggled with adapting to life with a newborn, I was blown away by her passionate account of joy and excitement. I’ve been hooked ever since. She writes beautifully; it is sincere, insightful, thoughtful, descriptive and, of course, inspiring. I get caught up in her words.

In addition to chronicling life with baby, other frequent topics on marta.writes include crafts, recipes, writing and list making. She is also a graphic designer with a shop full of customized stationary and handmade goodies.

Lists show up fairly often on marta.writes. In homage to that, here is a list of my favorite things I find on this favorite Friday blog.

• the little things

“yesterday i bought milk with my due date stamped on it's plastic carton. now if that's not a thrilling moment, i don't know what is.”

I love that Marta noticed the date on the carton was her due date. I so did that.

• the sweet things

Marta posts about cooking and eating pretty often…and she gives the recipes for yummy baked treats.

• the polka-dot things

Polka-dots make me happy; they just do. Apparently, Marta loves them just as much as I do.

Introducing Friday Favorites And Snippet & Ink

Like most people, I am addicted to reading blogs. There are so many good ones out there and I am often amazed at the creativity and knowledge the authors share through them. It is hard, impossible really, to choose my favorites, but I am forcing myself to do that.

Starting today and continuing each Friday, I plan to highlight one blog that I click on over and over for inspiration. A few of them I’ve read for a long time, while a couple are brand spanking new on my daily reading list. However, all of them are go-to blogs for everything from writing to meal planning to throwing a party. The blog I'm starting with is total eye-candy.

There is one thing that gets me about the wedding planning blog, Snippet & Ink: the inspiration boards. Although they are intended for weddings (and I’ve been married for six years), these boards translate beautifully into any party. The author, Kathryn, chooses a theme such as Backyard Picnic and labels them by mood and color. So thorough, so unique, so inspirational – I could spend hours browsing. She also posts real-life weddings and other planning related bits that are fun to look at even if you’re not getting married.

A few of my favorite inspiration boards and parties they can inspire...

• Board #13 Curious George Use this for toddler birthday party inspiration.
  

• Board #156 School Days Use this to create a special back-to-school soiree.

• Board #318 Retro Whimsy Use this if you're going to be hosting a bridal shower.