October: The Month of Orange

Orange is the color for fall. Though I've never really been fond of it, I seem to be drawn to all things orange this year.

With the exception of the orange wall, all the items in the inspiration board below provide a burst of orange in just the right dose, and they are easy to switch out as the seasons change. Use orange whenever you want to add a little spice to your table, sofas or outfits.

images clockwise from top left:
magnet set from the b-line
orange dressing room photographed by David Bagosy for Wish Magazine
paisley pillow from Pier 1
Colin chair from Jayson Home & Garden via Lonny Magazine
autumn boutis tablecloth from Williams-Sonoma
striped cardigan outfit from What I Wore via Bryn Alexandra
save-the-date card from Elise Blaha
pumpkin chocolate chip cookie from Joy the Baker
corner bookmark from Lasting Memories via Little Birdie Secrets

July Inspiration Board

Here is a glimpse of what comes to my mind when I think about July. It looks like the theme is color and heat, heat and more heat!

• Hydrangeas of any color are my absolute favorite flower. They have big, beautiful blooms and they can last forever.

• I want to sip this raspberry lemonade by the pool or on the beach, because sometimes water just isn't good enough.

• I'd pack the lemonade in this colorful, washable picnic basket and head outside for an early lunch.

• The tomatoes from our garden are coming in by the handfuls now. I know it's summer when my husband tells me every day, "Don't forget you've got plenty of tomatoes to eat."

• The first thing I reach for during the summer is a t-shirt. These bright options are comfortable and cute. A quirky necklace amps up the style.

• I included an old-fashioned fainting sofa in a sunny hue. It would be awesome to have one sitting in my entry, because sometimes it really is that hot.

hydrangea photo from mamako7070
raspberry lemonade from Joy the Baker
woven picnic basket from Target
tomatoes photo from gwen
t-shirts from Old Navy
bubblegum necklace from Anthropologie
fainting sofa from Urban Outfitters

Friday Favorite: Independence Day

I’m trying something a little different with Friday Favorites. Instead of talking about one blog every week, I’ll start to share some of my favorite finds from around the web. Some weeks will still feature a blog I just have to tell you about, but I like the flexibility of posting different things I’m loving at the moment.

Since tomorrow is Independence Day, this Friday Favorite is all about easy and quick ways to dress your tables and buffets for a patriotic feast. And, they really are easy peasy – all you have to do is download and print, or decorate pieces you already have with a little red, white and blue.

I adore the classic style of this (1) picnic from Country Living. It reminds me of summer days at my grandparents complete with picnic table, flags and pickup truck.

With this great idea from A Soft Place to Land, everything guests need to dig in are all in one place – silverware, bandana napkin and mason drinking jar (2).

Talk about last minute! What could be simpler than printing out one of these 4th of July party sets from (3) Twig & Thistle (matchbook wrappers, drink tags and labels for sparklers) and (4) Paper and Cake (complete tablescape).

Give any cake stand festive flair with red, white and blue crepe paper bunting (5) from Better Homes and Gardens.

This cookie pizza (6) from Pillsbury is simple to put together, pretty to look at and even better to eat.

Finally, these cupcakes were intended for Father's Day but are oh-so-perfect for any summer grilling. I didn't put them on the board, but I just had to include them in my favorites this week, because who doesn't love cupcakes, especially when they are this amazing. fyi:These are still easy to make; they use packaged ingredients.

Hamburger cupacakes and (sugar cookie!) fries from Bakerella...


Happy 4th of July everyone!

Going On A Summer Picnic

So, here it is Tuesday and I haven't posted since last Thursday. I didn't intend to take a mini-break, but sometimes life happens, you get busy, you have some fun and you just gotta roll with it, right?

I don't usually post inspiration boards on Tuesday, but I am today because I've had the idea for a summertime picnic floating around for a while now. I first saw the image of the bicycle with picnic basket over on Oh, Hello Friend and knew I wanted to create a board around it.

This summer picnic is great for a warm July afternoon. There's a handmade quilt to lounge on while you sip cool lemonade out of a glass drink dispenser using cool striped straws. The food is simple: Greek salad roll-ups and fruity meringues. There is even a sweet little oilcloth bag to carry any leftovers home.

Sometimes I'm amazed at how well these boards come together. As I started putting things together, this red and green color scheme just sort of developed on its own and all the images I liked amazingly fit right in. I'm so glad the look doesn't come across at all Christmas-y. Instead, it's more like the perfect ripe watermelon -- summery and fresh.

olive rings quilt from Tiptoe Studio; recycled glass beverage dispenser from Target; bicycle picnic from Oh, Hello Friend via Oh So Beautiful Paper; oilcloth lunch bag from Martha Stewart; Greek salad rolls from Sweet Paul; picnic basket from CSN stores via Country Living; strawberry and kiwi meringues from Joy the Baker; gingham cloth napkins from Williams-Sonoma; straws from Kikkerland via Oh Happy Day

A Tropical Pool Party

If you're hanging out by the pool every chance you get, you might as well make a party out of it. Here's an inspiration board for a pool party that has a taste of the tropics from the vibrant colors to the little drink umbrellas.

• Throw some inexpensive floats in bright colors into the pool to encourage everyone to jump in. photo by Amy
• Serve light appetizers that are easy to make and eat. Pork Lettuce Wraps from Food Network
• Decorate the rooms leading out to your pool with vibrant textiles, whimsical art and fresh fruit centerpieces to match the party. photo from Coastal Living (Troy Campbell)
• Give table settings for this casual party a tropical punch with solid table cloths and napkins in bold hues. photo from Amorology via All Things Lovely
  
• Every pool party, beach party, summer party needs drink parasols...so fun! cocktail parasols from Oriental Trading Company
• An old-fashioned soda bar keeps you cooled off in the summer heat. photo from Jordan Ferney
• Your pool party invitations don't have to scream "pool party." Make the simple, graphic and bright. pool pinwheel invitations from Paper Source
  
• Hibiscus-print dinnerware. What could be more tropical than that? hibiscus outdoor bowls from Pier 1
  
• If the party lasts past dark, hang these votive holders to add some sparkle. moon garden votive jam jar from Anthropologie
• Pass out striped cocktail napkins to guest lounging in the pool. napkins from Plum Party
  

What To Take To The Pool

It has been H-O-T, hot lately. I’m talking 100 degree heat here. The only place to be comfortable outside is in a swimming pool, not laying out beside it, actually in it.

In honor of the extreme heat, I’m designating this week as Pool Week on For Your Inspiration. Today’s post shows a simple, but pretty look for hanging out poolside. It covers just the basics for a day at the pool: suit, towel, sunglasses, sandals, bag and tunes.

This inspiration board starts with the swimsuit, and while I would probably never pay $80 for a suit, the cut is too forgiving and the style too classic not to show. Choosing a solid color means you can have fun with all the accessories, and fun is all you should expect when hitting the pool.

clockwise from top left: photo by kagey_b; swimsuit from j.crew; bag from Old Navy; Apple iPod Nano; sunglasses from New York & Company; sandals from Payless; towel from Target

A New Favorite Color

You know how you have one color that you just love, love, love and it will always be your favorite? Me either. There are just too many colors to choose from and my number one usually changes with the seasons. (See my obsession with green back in March.)

Right now, I only have eyes for hot pink or fuchsia or raspberry. I’m not really sure what the exact name should be, but I know that it’s happy, vibrant and oh so summery. Everywhere I look I see it whether in pops of pink (like the chairs in the kitchen below) or entire walls swathed in the juicy hue (like in the July issue of House Beautiful).

I’ve never really liked any shade of pink until I had my daughter a couple of years ago. Now I can’t seem to get enough of it.

What do you think? Do you love this hot pink shade as much as I do?

clockwise from top left: kitchen photo from Living, Etc; pink party lanterns from jek in the box; pink peony from it's pretty good; floral wallpaper from Romo; macarons from Louis Beche; hot pink tutu from tutu love; hot pink chrysanthemum earrings from Candy's Art Designs; rose glassware from Z Gallerie; fashion color thesaurus from See Jane Work

Nursery Rhymes Baby Shower

When it comes to finding inspiration, books make a great go-to source. These days my reading selection is generally limited to whatever titles my book-loving daughter chooses, so I have to thank her for this baby shower idea based on the book, Nursery Rhymes: well-loved verses to share, illustrated by Susie Lacome.

Over the past few weeks, this has been one of her favorites. She loves the rhyming and the collage-like pictures printed to look like fabric stitched on the page. As we read one day, I noticed fabric bunting decorating the top of one of the pages, and knew it would be the perfect starting point for a baby shower theme.

With its colorful gingham pages, sweet embroidered illustrations and familiar verses, this book makes a great gift and theme. You can use for a boy or girl, so I’ve tried to make my choices gender-neutral, although sometimes I just can’t help choosing pink.

Inspiration: Nursery Rhymes: well-loved verses to share from Amazon
centerpieces: paper flower kits from Paper Platypus
party setup: porch party from Country Living
paper flags for food: via Party Perfect
sugar cookie party favors: Truly Scrumptious Cookies
nursery rhyme cupcakes: A Baked Creation
handmade birds: Ann Wood
gingham invitation: Lil Birdie shower invitation from bndesigns
fabric bunting: Twig & Thistle
felting animals: barnyard ball sewing pattern from Pattern Play

A June Inspiration Board

Summertime, Summertime, Summertime!

Although it's already the second week of the month, I wanted to post this inspiration board about all things June:

• spending time by the pool or at the beach
• strawberry (the fruit and the color!)
• lazy afternoons in a hammock
• bright colors for home and fashion
  

I think June is a great month. Not only does it mark the halfway point of the year, it's my birthday month, which translates to cake and presents! Most importantly, like the inspiration board shows, June means summer has officially arrived.

Happy June!

clockwise from top left: photo by valiii; strawberry cake from Joy the Baker; Becka pillow from Crate and Barrel; hammock photo from BHG; stretch bead bracelet from Ann Taylor Loft; pom pom voile window panels from Pine Cone Hill; retro shell chairs from Montgomery Ward; sunglasses from Old Navy

A Boys Nursery In Blue

Since I have a daughter, most of my posts naturally tend to be more girly and pink. It’s getting to be a bit much even for me. So…I’ve decided it’s time to show the boys some love.

This nursery inspiration board is around the classic color choice for boys – blue. The look mixes sporty with a little bit of whimsy to create a modern room that is all boy.

wallpaper letters and numbers from Land of Nod
ABC learning blocks from Three Ladybugz
Squirt lampshade and gum drop table lamp from Walmart
white cabinet from Ikea
rugby stripe rug from Pottery Barn Kids
Dwell Studio for Target bedding from Target
wall shelves from Ikea

I'm not used to all this blue, so I'm not sure how I feel about this look.

What do you think?

What To Wear For Mother's Day

With Mother’s Day this weekend, I’ve been thinking what I always think when a special occasion comes up, “What am I going to wear?” Now that I have a little girl, I have to worry about her outfit, too.

I’ve never understood dressing mother and daughter in identical outfits. It looks cute for the catalog pictures, but it’s just not my thing, I guess. However, I see nothing wrong with coordinating mommy and baby outfits. Because you know there are going to be cameras flashing, especially on Mother’s Day.

Here is a little inspiration board of outfits I think my daughter and I could pull off for church and lunch on Sunday. Each one is happy, pink and cute in its own little way.

(Maybe I'll make the hubby put on a pink tie...just for good measure.)

Mom's Outfit:

• Linvilla earrings from Anthropologie
• Landon necklace from magpiedesignz
• Pink Petals and Gerber Daisys large clutch from John Met Betty
• Elani demi wedges from Target
• linen-blend ruffle dress from Old Navy

Child's Outfit:

• fabric flower pin (clip to ribbon on the dress) from Lillianna Marie Designs
• striped pleated dress from The Children's Place
  
• Lollipop sandals from Stride Rite
• flower bobby pins from honeybelle
  

If you're a mom, do you coordinate outfits with your kids for the sake of photos?

Create a Cheery Outdoor Room

Inspired tomorrow's Cinco de Mayo celebrations, this inspiration board is full of vibrant colors and bold patterns. These ideas would look equally great for a garden nook, front porch or backyard patio.

• Start with an antique-style bench in an unexpected color.Martha Stewart Everyday Aberdeen bench from Kmart
• Add pattern with a stylish, yet durable, outdoor rug. Laney Patio Rug from Target
• Instead of one big table, use two wicker side tables if front of the bench as a convenient spot to perch feet or drinks. Wicker Cafe side table from Target
• Top off one of the side tables with bold blooms, like these ranunculus, in shades of the sun. floral bouquet from BHG
• Hang simple bowl-shaped planters to fill with cascading flowers. Mynta hanging planter from Ikea
• Serve lemonade, iced water or sweet tea in fiesta-worthy pieces. Macy's Exclusive Fiesta goblet from Macy's; Fiesta disk pitcher from The Homer Laughlin China Co.
  
• This tequila-soaked fruit dish fits right in with the citrus-y colors of the outdoor room. Tequila soaked fruit from Martha Stewart
• For additional color and comfort, complete the outdoor space with rainbow-bright pillows in stripes and flowers. Sadie and multistripe outdoor pillows from Pottery Barn

Create A Relaxing Outdoor Space

In honor of Earth Day I put together this board for an intimate outdoor seating area. Several of the products use sustainable materials or are eco-friendly in other ways. It would work equally well in a small garden, patio or even a balcony (just choose a smaller rug and trade the flowering bushes for potted plants).

Our front porch has an odd little nook with nothing in it. Unfortunately, I’m not much of an outdoorsy girl so venturing outside to sit isn’t high on my list. However, if it looked like this – inviting, peaceful, stylish – I just might find more time to go out there.

• Add pillows to these cute bistro chairs to make them fit in with any design scheme. Constructed of plantation-grown acacia wood, they store easily during colder months. Mika folding side chairs from Cost Plus World Market
  

• A lantern looks pretty during the day, but it adds the perfect amount of sparkle to a seating area after the sun sets. Bristol lantern from Pottery Barn

• These pillows look slightly retro, which contrasts nicely with the old-fashioned feminine feel of the other pieces. handmade throw pillows from Marie's Cozy Cushions
  

• You can sit on it or prop up your feet, but I'd put this hand-carved, hand-painted beauty between the bistro chairs and set my drink on it. garden stool from Pier 1

• These turquoise glasses are begging for water, lemonade or, if you're in the South like me, sweet tea. tulip tumbler and hobnail juice glass from Anthropologie

• The vintage vibe of this rug pulls the outdoor space together. Bonus: just spray it down when it gets dirty. outdoor rug from Target

• I absolutely love, love, love hydrangeas. While April may be a tad early for these blooms, they are the endless summer variety, so you will plenty of time to enjoy them. endless summer hydrangeas from Home Depot

Do you have a favorite place to sit outside?

A Girl's Reading Nook

If my daughter had no other toys except books, I believe she would be happy. She has always loved books, and hopefully that won't change as she gets older. I can't wait to introduce her to storybooks and series books some day--many of them that I enjoyed as a kid.

When that day comes, I hope to create a space just for her dedicated entirely to reading. It will have to stylish, functional and made to grow up in.

ABC print from Sophia's Sweet Spot; wall book bin from Land of Nod; table lamp from PBTeen; shelving unit from Ikea; chocolate rug from Babys R Us; pink floral chair from Target

Dressing For April Showers

The saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers." Well, it has rained considerably in the last few weeks providing just-right inspiration for a perfect rainy day outfit. Oh, I couldn't wait on May for the flowers!

Choose a classic trench in a neutral color. Then make it pop with bright colors and whimsical accessories.

clockwise from top left: canvas trench from Tulle; blue floral umbrella from Old Navy; Prohibition bangle from Anthropologie; ruby necklace from Stella & Dot; python frame clutchAnn Taylor Loft; polka-dot rain boots from Target; flower pins from Linda & Harriett

A Hunting We Will Go

photo by katrinket

Over the next couple of weeks, there will be a lot of hunting going on...for eggs that is! This Easter tradition is always fun for the kids who get to search for little treasures and the adults who get to enjoy the party.

Use these ideas for a brightly-colored, egg-themed celebration.

easy centerpiece: candle-holder egg tree from BHG
decorative baskets: flowered Easter baskets from Martha Stewart
party favors: pretty wrapped boxes from Rebecca Thuss
crafts for after the hunt: egg animals from Good Housekeeping
polka-dot napkins: chartreuse dots cocktail napkins from Paper Source
pink Easter cupcakes: chocolate cupcakes with blackberry buttercream from janset1 via flickr
invitation: egg basket invitation from Fine Stationery
colorful bunny plates: embossed bunny plates from Plum Party

A Room Makeover For Spring

Each new season brings new opportunities for decorating. For spring, this means bright, happy colors. This year, it seems I am hooked on green. (Check out Hooked on Houses to what other people are hooked on this week.) Like the sprigs of grass popping up outside, this fresh and vibrant color is everywhere I turn.

This look is perfect for a family room or bedroom. If you start with a neutral backdrop and furniture, it's easy to add a few decorative touches to make your home feel like spring.

• Pillows and throws, vases and storage items are inexpensive changes.
  
• Switching furniture hardware is like putting on jewelry; its a small touch that makes an impact.
• Changing lamps and rugs with the season is more costly. If you find one you love, go for it, and work it into the rest of your decor.
• Hanging wallpaper is a permanent choice. If you don't want to live with spring green in November, simply frame a few pieces (of any decorative paper) to create rotating seasonal art.
  

clockwise from top left:
green trellis wallpaper from Ballard Designs
ruffle pillow from Hettle
floral pillow from Anthropologie
cocktail ring knob from Anthropologie
glass vase from Target
table lamp from Cottage & Bungalow
green graphic cotton mat from Pottery Barn
storage boxes from Ikea
striped throw from Dash & Albert

Do you like to decorate with each season in mind? What is your favorite color for spring?

Put Flowers On The Table

With so many choices in spring tableware, you don't even need an actual bouquet to decorate the table with blooms. But, of course, you'll want one anyway.

Whether brunch, lunch or just desserts, this bit of inspiration has you covered for any spring celebration.

from top left:
Lyda Teapot from Pier 1; Garden Party Damask Table Runner from Target; Hydrangeas and Grape Hyacinths centerpiece from BHG; Flower Plate & Bowl from Pier 1; Floral Mist Cake Stand from fishs eddy; Verdant Acres Mug from Anthropologie; Floral Melamine Appetizer Plate Set from Target

Jumping Into Spring Clothes

Warm weather is coming, and that makes me very excited. However, it is just March and a lot of people are still digging out from snow. I think this outfit - a pretty mix of soft neutrals and florals - perfectly blends some still-chilly temperatures with the promise of spring.

• A comfortable, go-with-anything cardigan for cooler days khaki wrap cardigan from Old Navy
• Since wearing gym shorts with my then-boyfriend's (now husband's) varsity sweatshirt, I have loved bare legs with a warmer top. This slate blue skirt is casual and girly. slate A-line pocket skirt from Ann Taylor Loft
  
• A fun, graphic necklace exotic wood and resin necklace from yuki jewelry
  
• There is just a hint of spring coming through on this watch with two daisy accents. daisy accent watch from Dillards
  
• This bag has no bright colors or bold patterns, but it seems perfect for March. floral print tote from Target
  
• I'm short, so I like the height of these wedges. Plus, they're not made for winter but aren't sandals either, which makes them great for an in-between season. brown espadrilles from Payless

How To Use Bright Color In A Girl's Nursery

Sometimes decorating a child’s room without color is hard making the last post on a black and white nursery useless for many parents. So, how about some color and lots of it? I’m thinking bright, fun and unexpected colors not found in a traditional nursery.

This look for a bold and modern girl’s room starts with a hot pink and orange color scheme. Since none of the items are permanent, everything is easily swapped as tastes change or if the color doesn’t work. These vibrant accessories work equally well for a newborn nursery or a redecorated big girl’s room. For more looks of brightly colored kid’s rooms, check out the ideas from Parents magazine and the house tours at Ohdeedoh.

• Window panels with thick, vertical stripes add height to the room. Henley strip drape from PBteen
• Hang paper lanterns in different colors for a fun take on the classic mobile. mango, grass green and hot pink paper lanterns from Luna Bazaar
• A mini lamp in brightly-colored blown glass is perfect for nighttime wakings. Lykta table lamp from IKEA
• Modern and educational...just what this girl's room needs. alphabet print from ModernPop
  
• A blooming growth chart matches the room and captures fleeting childhood days. personalized flowers growth chart from Land of Nod
• A rainbow of polka-dots on this rug brings the room together. multicolor rug from Target

How do you feel about bold, bright color in a nursery?