Minor Obsession: Alaina Kaczmarski

I know this a a rather late-in-the-day post, but I am still recovering from a 12+ hour flight and time change.  We had a wonderful time exploring Paris; my feet are still sore from miles and miles of walking each day!  

I'd like to say a VERY big thank you to my blog partner, Rebecca, for allowing me to fall down on the job and for keeping up with my posts while I was gone.  She is a star!

I have pinned and re-pinned Alaina Kaczmarski's apartment pictures numerous times (I just can't get over her gallery wall!), and I thought this evolution of her home office, from The Everygirl was too cute not to share.  

It's like a fine wine; it just keeps getting better with age!

Mmmmm.  I love it.

all images from The Everygirl

Can we just take a moment to enjoy that pencil holder?!  I adore that piece.  And the little tray of washi tape- a stack of chic black, white, and gold.  Who knew rolls of tape could become such a great decorating tool?!

I hope you are all having a fabulous week.  I have lots to do to catch up, but luckily, since it is summer, I don't have to worry about returning to a normal routine.  For now I am going to go rub a little nurofen gel (ibuprofen in gel form- I am in love with French pharmacies!) on my feet and get some work done.
Au revoir!

Quote of the Day: Coco Chanel

mediawebapps.com

I haven't verified if Chanel really said this but I don't care.  It is the truth.  

Happy Tuesday all!  

Summer Theme Birthday Party

I can't believe my baby girl is now 6!  When planning this party I took into account that the wind here in the spring is crazy so I decided it had to be a morning party this time.  This decision made it obvious that a brunch was the best way to go.  Even in the morning it is really hot so Gwenna wanted to have water activities.  I suddenly knew the color scheme had to be blue and white with touches of yellow.  Very summery.  I envisioned elements like blue and white floral and Greek key, lemons, bumble bees, bubbles and sun flowers.  Somehow it all had to come together.  It wasn't a mega party with crazy amounts of things going on.  I've done that in the past but felt like keeping it simpler this time.  And I have to say, I'm really happy I did.

I the entryway, a painting created by me son greeted guests.

The cake table was my favorite part!  I found the plates and napkins first, then the fabric that I made into a table cloth next.  My mom purchased the gorgeous cake plate on ebay and I placed it on a beautiful mirrored tray.  This is all a bit sophisticated for a 6 year old so I had my mom make the cake with little bees as decoration and the bee pops were placed in an elephant planter stand. I think the bees and elephant make it more little fun and young.  

The "awning" is actually a shower curtain from Target.  I moved the dining room table under the mirror to create a buffet for foods like bagels, muffins, fruit, sandwiches, egg casserole, and doughnut holes.  I love the summery outdoor look this created!  Super fun.

For the kids, I created a little chocolate milk and lemonade center, of course.  

Last week I posted a tutorial here on these beehives for you.  I just love them.

A small candy bar made for a pretty display and the kids were able to take them home.  Also, Gwenna chose the book, "Grimm's Fairy Tales" to have her guests sign.  She wanted this book because it has a wolf on the cover and she loves wolfs right now.  Funny kid.

Matching blue pedis!

The mantel was very easy to pull together.  Just a few blue and white pieces with yellow flowers.  A glittery gold "G" with a few left over felt bees and lemons.  Perfect.  The banner reads "Gwenna" and I made it out of craft paper and ribbon.  I wish I had a detail shot, but the letters are attached to the ribbon with clothes pins.  That said summer to me.

Oh my but these kids had fun outside!  

This is such a great photo...look at little 2 year old Jackie also blowing out the candles!

Each child took home a bubble gun, cotton candy and a patch with their initial (to sew onto a beach bag, perhaps).

This was honestly one of the easiest and most enjoyable parties I have had the pleasure to create.  I loved watching my little lady and her friends have a blast.  

A special thank you to my mom for the cake and cake pops and for taking many photos for me as well as my good friend Kyungmoo Ryu for his lovely photos.  Also to my friends Kaley and Christine for the lend of items and some yummy treats.

I hope I gave you a bit of inspiration today.  So many of these ideas could be adapted to a variety of venues.  

Happy Birthday to my Gwenna!

{Bring The Outdoors In}

splendidsass.blogspot.com

For awhile now Lori and I both have been looking to get a fiddle leaf fig tree into our homes.  They aren't easy to come by where we live for some reason.  I have found a few varieties of palms that I like and there are always beautiful ideas for succulents.  I am finding it more of a priority to accumulate beautiful green plants for my home.  I am really good about having cut flowers everywhere but, honestly, they die quickly.  I would rather invest in longevity first and then accent with a few fresh bouquets.

luvrumcake.tumblr.com

lovemaegan.com

bloglovin.com
I don't know about you, but I find the above information very useful.  Thanks again, Pinterest!

countryliving.com

perpetuallychic.com

offbeatandinspired.com

I think all these images are lovely and, in terms of decorating a home, what could be better than adding green life to every room?  

Are there any indoor plants you have grown that you love?  We need to hear from you!

Lori is still away in Paris {lucky, lucky, girl} so that is why you are hearing from me so often this week.  She will have lots to share with you when she returns.

House Tour: Thom Filicia's Lake Home

Over at countryliving.com Thom Filicia's amazing lake house has been featured.  I had to share it with you, just in case you haven't yet had the pleasure.  His home is a modern rustic take on lake living and he does it effortlessly.  As the temperatures swell, I am craving a home like this one!

I love the appropriately chosen nautical mirrors and bamboo chair mixed with the contemporary rug and chest.  It is very true to Thom's personal style.

The dining room is slightly more sophisticated than the rest of the house but it still totally works because of elements like the light fixture and ceiling treatment. 

Another great example of mixed elements that are perfect for a lake home is the fabric on the modern chair with it's wood grain print.

I could just move right in!  I especially love the fireplace and this cozy living space above...oh, and the exterior of the house is fantastic.  

What is your favorite part of this dreamy home?

Summer Party: Beehive DIY

countryliving.com DIY beehive Pinata 

When I was planning my daughter's 6th birthday party I knew it was going to be a morning event (since it is getting so hot and windy in the afternoon) and I knew I wanted to do a blue and white scheme with accents of yellow.  I came across this beehive image--on Pinterest, of course-- and I decided to create my own version.  

First, I bought bags of medium sized black and yellow felt balls at the craft store along with sheets of stiff blue felt.  I made a tear-drop shaped template out of cardboard for the wings and cut them out.  I then hot glued a yellow and black ball together and then the wings on top.  Cute little fuzzy bees!  Simple.

I then purchased yellow lanterns at a local party supply store and hot glued the bees on in random patterns (focusing on the top and bottom of the lantern).  I think the effect is super cute!

This would be great for a baby shower as well.

I will post photos of the whole event very soon!

Hang in there, it's Wednesday!