Serious eye-candy

I just came across a wonderfully inspiring blog that is both humorous and eye-catching. While I am nowhere near wealthy enough to afford most of the items this blog features, I find them to be inspiring for both shopping, and for designing a look in general. Visit Mrs. Lilien's to see which "Mrs." you are.

Here are some of the gorgeous items I'm drooling over after visiting Mrs. Lilien's:

Mmmmmm....

Is anything as delicious as a macaron?! Well, technically, I've never eaten a macaron, but I hear they're delicious and they are absolutely gorgeous--so they must be delicious, right? I'm planning to make some this weekend as a treat to my sweet, sweet honey. He's been so patient with all of my job searching and he's constantly supportive of me following my dreams, regardless of the paycheck. I came across a great step by step guide for making macarons on Bakerella and think it will be a perfect thank you. I also noticed a follow up on Tartelette for more recipes and information on macarons and other desserts. Have any of you ever made macarons? I'm a little intimidated, but also very excited for these sweet little treats--I'd love your suggestions if you have any.

Found at bakerella.com

Found at mytartelette.com

Found at mytartelette.com

Water balloon fight!

I've been sitting at home watching the snow fall out my window and praying that summer makes a quick comeback, so I was delighted to see this gorgeous engagement session on Ruffled. The full shoot is featured on the blog of the photographer, Daniel Kiyoi, here.

Anyway, I just LOVE the excitement, passion, fun, and sun pictured in this shoot. If I close my curtains and look at these photos I can almost convince myself that I'm lounging by the pool in the warm, summer sun!

Paper Doily crafts

A couple months ago I came across this post about paper doilies on one of my favorite blogs, Adorned with Lace. Ever since I saw this I have been seeing paper doilies being used for the most beautiful crafts. It seems as though the possibilities are endless! Paper doilies can be found at craft and fabric stores as well as many grocery and discount stores for very inexpensive prices. I have included some of my favorite projects below. Each link takes you to the original post about how to create these adorable items on your own.

Paper-Doily wreath found here.

Paper lantern found here.

Paper lace garland found here.

Doily envelope found here.

Feminine doily mirror found here.

Also be sure to visit these other links for ideas for how to incorporate the feminine doily into personal style, interior design, and holiday and event décor.

Doily canvas bag
Doily side table
Lace doily votive holders
Doily-inspired wedding cake
Frosted-glass Doily Vase
Rubber white cake lace coasters
And, the crème de la crème an eyelet and doily inspired wedding.

Have a great weekend!
xoxo

Springtime brings babies (of all sorts!)

I just stumbled upon the sweetest collection of photos. They all feature newborn baby animals. I've included a few below, but make sure to visit The Animal Zone to see the entire collection.

What a gem!

I just found the most breathtaking collection of gemstone and diamond jewelry; I want all of these rings so so badly! Oh, if only I were a lottery winner or a trust-fund child ;)



View the full Coast Diamond Signature Color Collection here.

Butter by Nadia convertible gowns

I have been seeing Butter by Nadia convertible dresses and gowns all over wedding websites and television shows lately. These dresses allow you to move the straps around and tie them in dozens of combinations to completely customize the look. I think it's a great idea to offer your bridesmaids a dress they can modify for their own style and comfort, but wonder how many women would really ever wear one again. Imagine if you were asked as a bridesmaid to buy one of these dresses (in the style featured below) in a turquoise or teal color. Would you wear it again? Or would you resent having to buy a $250+ dress that you would only wear once? Let me know what you think.

Find this dress and others in the collection here.

Gorgeous engagement photos

As someone who hopes to be engaged in the near future, I am obsessed with engagement photos. I came across a few today on the Ruffled blog that I truly enjoyed.

I love when a beautiful landscape is included in engagement photos. It makes the photo even more worthy of being hung on a wall. Photo found here.

I have seen many different takes on this "frame" idea and I have enjoyed all of them. For some reason there is something very appealing to me about a frame within a frame. Photo found here.

A photo of a loving couple laughing together is something that will never go out of fashion. Photo found here.

The same goes for a couple basking in their love for each other with eyes closed and hearts open. Photo found here.


In my opinion, cheery photos such as these would be perfect for the celebratory nature of a Save-the-Date Announcement. Photo found here.

What do you think?

Let them eat cake!

I am a huge fan of the artistic direction that cake baking has taken in the last few years. I'm addicted to all the current tv shows like Ace of Cakes, Ultimate Cake Off, Challenge, and Cake Boss. I just can't get enough, so it's really exciting to think that someday soon I might actually be able to design my own dream cake for my wedding. Here are some of the gorgeous cakes I've come across online ranging from whimsical to elegant and everything in between. Some of them are more appropriate for a Valentine's Day dessert than a wedding, but they are still adorable and inspiring.

www.eatcakebemerry.com

www.idreamofcake.com

www.justcake.com

Sunshine Blog Award

Thank you Ashley at Adorned with Lace for honoring me with a Sunshine Blog Award! I am extremely thankful that this amazing blogger thought to share this honor with me.

In order to pass on the love, I am awarding my 12 favorite blogs (in addition to Adorned with Lace) with their own Sunshine Blog Award:

- Ashki Photography
- Bakerella.com
- Boise Style
- SavestheClash
- Hostess with the Mostess
- House of Turquoise
- Inspired by This
- Pretty Little Things
- Simply Grove
- Snippet & Ink
- Style Me Pretty
- Soiree

If you’re the recipient of this award, please show some blog love:

• Put the Logo on your sidebar, or within a post.
• Pass the award onto 12 Bloggers
• Link the nominees within your post.
• Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
• Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award

I heart valentines!

Check out these adorable framed valentines found at the Sarah and Bendrix shop on Etsy.com! I would love to receive one from my valentine (hint hint!)

Introducing Ruby Valentine

Amidst the pain and sorrow of the last week was one little ray of sunshine. Her name is Ruby Valentine and she is our new little bundle of joy. Our 2 year old cairn terrier Sebastian has been extremely lonely since we made the move into our own house with no roomates (or dogs). With that in mind, Matt and I decided that our family needed another addition. Ruby is a miniature schnauzer and should grow to be approximately the same size as Sebastian, perfect for a play mate. The two love each other as best friends already, even snuggling together during nap time.

Ruby Valentine

Ruby and I

Sebastian

God Bless You--Rest in Peace

Sadly, my loving Grammy passed away this week. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. We will all dearly miss the loving nature, genuine laugh, and stubborn spirit of this amazing woman. Due to medical complications and a long life Gloria Heikkola passed away with her family by her side on Wedndesday, Feb. 3rd, 2010.

Due to this hardship, I will not be posting anything else to this blog for a few more days.

Idaho Statesman Obituary