The Prettiest Bow

I ran into this quick video tutorial on how to tie a really pretty bow for presents.  Eddie Ross is just too cute to boot!

-Tina

Tory Burch

Fall is around the corner.  I have fallen in love with Tory Burch's new line.......

- Tina

Anniversaries

My brothers and I all married our respective spouses in the month of August, so this last week has been filled with anniversaries for my family.  One brother just hit the 1 year anniversay mark, the other has had 2 years of marriage bliss, and my husband and I are celebrating #7.  We have been following the yearly gift guides (modern and traditional), which makes gift giving a bit more of a challenge, but it is fun.  It is amusing to see who cheats the most - though the recipient of the "cheater's" gift often wins.  For instance, for our first anniversary, my husband gave me a new snowboard (because it was made of wood, and wood makes paper, so somehow it counted).  Wow did I feel like a dunce when all he opened was a paper gift certificate from me.

With our 7th anniversary this year, we had wool, copper or desk sets to choose from.  I had planned to post a few options of each that I was "coveting", but decided instead to reflect for a bit on marriage instead.  I am very lucky to have a partner that balances me, supports me, and keeps me laughing.  I wish that you all have (or find) the joy of a loving relationship, because it really does make some of those challenging days when you want to strangle them all worth it.  Getting married shouldn't be your goal in life - it should be a journey that you enjoy being on because it has lots of ups and downs, but really does get better and better.  My parents are 35 years into their marriage, and are still best buds!

So plan the wedding...but also keep focused on the marriage that follows!

Say the vows and mean them, even when life isn't perfect.

Enjoy building your home together, and filling it with whatever family unit suits you.

And continue to make time with each other as the years pile up and the day to day grind beats you down.  Keeping focused on what is important helps you enjoy the Happily Ever After!

Have a great weekend!
-Katie

Back to School - Chalkboards!

With the end of August looming, everyone has back to school time on their mind.  Some schools have actually already started - oh "gasp"!

There are so many neat themes around the back to school time, with new clothes, new school supplies, setting up workspaces for your kids, and all the other zillion of things parents have to keep in mind. 

Back to school always makes me think of chalkboards.  Though they aren't really used in the school setting anymore, they are very popular for the home now!  I think 70% of my friends have some sort of chalkboard item in their home (usually in the kitchen).  Here are some of my recently found favorites:

 

 

Check them out on these links below (in order of the pictures):
Aly and Company (Etsy)
Pottery Barn
Cost Plus World Market (it's a decal!)
Restoration Hardware

-Katie

Grey but Not Gloomy!

This last week for me has been a week of grey.  I used to think of grey as drab and boring, but I am so in love with the greys I am seeing all over, and hope the trend continues into fall.  Wait, did I just say fall?  Where did summer go?

Anyhoo, I recently bought a great grey and white top (Anthropologie sale, hello!) that is a Ella Moss creation.  The first day I wore it, I got a million compliments.  Since then, have worn it with shorts, out with skinny jeans, and even over this maxy dress (below) while visiting my brother in Seattle.  It is my new favorite!

Though I am still in summer mode, all the stores have transitioned over to their Fall Selections, so grey is a great option to keep summer alive, but can also take you into the season change.  Here are some great grey options from Ella Moss that I spotted on the website, and hope go on sale soon!

Go Grey!
-Katie

Striped Walls

I love the look of striped walls.  A couple of month ago, I pinned this nursery (found via babble) to my Girl's Room Inspiration pinboard on Pinterest. 

Striped walls are a big commitment to me, so I love the new option of a giant masking tape striped wall instead.  These ideas are a collaboration between Sincol and mt and they have been making the rounds on design blogs.  Can you believe these were achieved with masking tape?

-Lana

I Heart Instagram

I am a big fan of Instagram (note this is a FREE app for iPhones and Droids).  I love the filters that Instagram offers since they give a great vintage feel.  Below are some photos from an event that Tina recently planned.  My three favorite effects are applied to them.

1. Tablescape

2. Table setting

3. Details - Mason jar and striped straws

 

4. Details - Flowers in a Fleur de Lys tumbler

5. Details - Cutlery 

6. Picnic area

1 & 2 - Nashville filter, 3 & 4 - Lord Kelvin filter, 5 & 6 - Lomo-fi filter


-Lana

French Inspired Items at Cost Plus World Market

I popped into Cost Plus a couple of weeks ago in search of table decor for an upcoming wedding.  As I browsed the aisles, I came across these great items.

French-inspired milk bottle 

French wine label cushion floor mat 

Charlotte Lined Wire Baskets

Bee glassware

-Lana

A NEW NIECE NAMED REESE!

This is a slightly delayed post, but I had to tell you that I now have a new niece named Reese!  She decided she was sick of the womb and there was a whole big world to see, so she made an appearance 2 weeks early. 

As with any given name, we all immediately came up with nicknames for her.  My husband is very excited to play on the Reese Cup candy, so of course I had to find an outfit that was fitting of this name.  Thank you Mrs. B's Accessories!  I immediately bought 3 different sizes of this little number.

And honestly, how awesome is this for a little boy?  I have a certain friend in mind who's baby needs this one...

Let the baby craze begin!
-Katie