Pocketful of Posies

The Married Life

2011-12-15T21:33:00.010-07:00

Sadly, it has been more than a year since I've visited the lovely land of blogging. Oh how I missed you!! However, I have been a very busy lady in the 13 plus months I've been away. Planning our wedding was not all the fun I thought it would be, but goodness was it worth it. Our wedding day was the absolute most dreamy day of my whole life--perfect down to the last moment. Being married to the love of my life is pretty cool too. I might just be the world's happiest woman!

In the coming weeks I'll fill you in on some of our wedding details with vendor reviews, ideas for things I'd do differently, and of course, tons of photos--but for now, I just wanted to give you a sneak peak of my handsome Mr. and I on our wedding day:

Photo courtesy of the incredible Shuttergirl Photography.

Decorating Distractions

2010-09-11T11:12:00.006-06:00

Good morning lovelies,

I'm stealing a few minutes before I head off for work to share some gorgeous images I found at House of Turquoise. I can't wait to start decorating this giant house--I'm so sick already of bare walls and bachelor pad furniture. I definitely need some sparkle and light in here.

Enjoy!

With this ring...

2010-09-08T18:44:00.007-06:00

I will thee wed!!!

OH MY GOSH--the ~~boyfriend~~ fiance and I are engaged!!!

Matthew and I started dating more than four years ago. As ridiculous as it sounds, I knew from about two months in that he was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I have been proposing to him myself frequently throughout the years with a constant response of, "Be patient. It will happen when the time is right."

He was so right! Here's how he asked:

About a month ago, Matt let slip that we would be engaged before Halloween. Now, keeping in mind that I am extremely suspicious and have been expecting a proposal on every single date, every romantic holiday, every sunset etc for the past 4 years let's round down and say I was ecstatic! Anyway, Matt and I are heading to Denver at the end of this month to visit some friends and I had myself convinced that this was when he'd be asking. So, last weekend when Matt and I were camping with some friends and family for my birthday I didn't expect anything--UNTIL Matt uncharacteristically asked me to go on a walk with him.

Matt had to grab something out of the car as we left and was acting awkward and quiet. My heart was pounding out of my chest the entire time we were walking. And we walked, and walked, and walked some more. Every time I would try to slow down in a romantic area near the lake or something Matt would keep us going like he wanted to get somewhere special. Then, all of a sudden he said he was cold and would like to head back to camp. I had gotten my hopes up again for no reason and was quietly pouting to myself while we started to play a game of Apples to Apples with our friends back at camp.

It was my turn to judge the round and the word of topic was Legendary. I was going through the cards given to me by the others: Leonardo da Vinci... George Washington... "Wow, these are great cards. How am I going to be able to pick?"...Pablo Picasso....Shira will you marry me? !!!!!!!

I was shocked... stunned... breathless.... stupefied.... blown over. "Really?" I asked as I turned to Matthew to see him holding the most beautiful, perfect ring out to me with a look of pure satisfaction on his face. "Absolutely I do!!!!"

And the rest is history!!

Lucky Girl

2010-08-22T20:50:00.007-06:00

I know it's been ages, I'm sorry... but just so you know, I missed you!

The boyfriend (Matthew ♥) and I recently bought a house. Not to brag, but we have never ever been better; things are just fabulous! The inside of our house is still pretty empty and we're in definite need of some decorating, but it's coming together. It's so much fun working on projects together and planning our future together. I'm one very lucky girl!!

Here are some photos of the house for you. They are from before we moved in, but let me know if you have any grand decorating or landscape ideas for us!

The Mod Squad

2010-06-22T21:46:00.006-06:00

I just tripped across the greatest new online shop: Mod Retreat.

Check out these gorgeous dresses and tops I spotted. I can't wait to get a few new additions for my summer wardrobe. The best thing? There are tons of affordable options!

My Latest Distraction...

2010-06-02T21:14:00.006-06:00

Oh, I also wanted to mention something. I am obsessed with weddings (as you must know) so it's no big surprise that these books [pictured below] by Nora Roberts instantly appealled to me. However, I just can't resist and I have to share them with you, because well, they are simply adorable! They're easy-to-read, entertaining, romantic, and just a little bit smutty. I hope you love them as much as I do....

Let me know what you think!

M.I.A.

2010-06-02T21:06:00.000-06:00

I am so sad that I've been absent for so long! I was trying to balance multiple new jobs and had to put Pocketful of Posies on the back burner. However, I was just hired as the Community Relations Manager at Barnes & Noble, so now I will have one reliable, steady position (with a salary and benefits!!!) and I can get back to what I love.

Oh, in other amazing news, Matt and I close on our house this coming Monday! I'll be posting pictures and design ideas (plus lots of general loveliness) as soon as possible. Bear in mind that I might not have internet during the move, so please continue to be patient until things have settled down a bit.

<3 Shira

Good news + Contest Info

2010-04-17T17:50:00.009-06:00

Hello! I have some great news I've been dying to share--I finally have a job.... well, 3 actually! I will now be working as a(n)...

Assistant wedding coordinator for Soiree, a Boise-area wedding and event planning boutique.
Bookseller for Boise's Barnes & Noble.
Office coordinator for Incredible Edibles Catering.

Ahhh, I am so thankful and excited! Each of these positions is going to teach me so much while also being super fun and challenging. :)

Anyway, I just came across the following contest information on the Soiree Blog and simply had to share it with you.

Via the Soiree Blog:

Put together an inspiration board representing a tablescape or dessert display you'd love to see come together in real life. The rules of the submission are as follows:

Must represent a Spring or Summer display
With your submission include a short write-up (no more than 150 words) describing what you feel or envision the party or event to be like (this can also be the theme of the party). Please include your contact info as well.
Include all credits of any pictures you use in your inspiration board.
You may just send individual pictures over and we can put them into board form for you as well.
Winner will be chosen by the Soiree ladies based on creativity, uniqueness, and enthusiasm ;)
Send your entries to blog@weddingsbysoiree.com
Contest is for brides and non-brides alike, and all US residents.

Contest ends midnight MST on April 30th. Winner will be announced on Monday, May 3rd at 12:00p MST.

Winner will receive your choice of one of these beauties from Emersonmade:

Dahlia Trotting Blooms for your shoes- you get to pick the color.
The BigDandy Clutch.
The Wildrose hair clip.

Floral obsession of the day: lilacs

2010-04-14T14:55:00.005-06:00

Lilacs bring back many significant memories from my childhood and the great times I spent with my Grammy. She had 6 or 7 huge bushes of deep purple lilacs in her front yard. Every year she and I would snip bouquets and deliver them to her closest neighbors and friends. She swore that her lilacs smelled better than any others in the area. She was right; however, in general Lilacs produce one of the most incredible fragrances I have ever smelled, and they're gorgeous to boot! I can't wait to someday plant a bush or two in my own yard and have the pleasure of collecting beautiful bouquets with my own children and grandchildren.

Via Brenda's Wedding Blog.

Just a spoonful of....

2010-04-14T14:29:00.003-06:00

...fun? Wait, that's not right! Regardless, these measuring spoons are the cutest things ever; I am so in love with them!

However, let's be honest--who would spend $45+ on a set of measuring spoons?

Via Etsy's Beehive Kitchenware.

Wed in Color

2010-04-13T08:47:00.009-06:00

There's a new trend in bridal fashions that I simply adore and can't get enough of... I am constantly freezing, so the idea of spending the most important single day of my life covered in goosebumps doesn't really appeal to me. There are many options for adding warmth to a traditional bridal ensemble like shawls, jackets, shrugs, and wraps. However, my favorite option is a colorful cardigan sweater.

I love the idea of wearing accessories that really make the bridal look become individual--a favorite pair of boots or heels, a playful necklace or hair fastener, Grandma's necklace or bracelet, and now--a color coordinated sweater to contrast with the white or ivory of the wedding gown and bring a pop of color to the area of a bride's face.

What are your opinions? Does this look deserve two thumbs up or down?

Via Style Me Pretty.

Via Wedding Times.

Via Homegrown.

Via Rock 'n Roll Bride.

Via Rock 'n Roll Bride.

Via Style Me Pretty.

Celebration of Love!

2010-04-07T11:34:00.004-06:00

I want to wish a very Happy 31st Anniversary to my amazingly wonderful Mom & Dad!! I love you! Thank you for always teaching me that lifelong love is achievable through patience, understanding, devotion, and hard work.

{Not the best picture, but the only one I could find on this computer}

Rustic Vintage

2010-04-07T09:34:00.002-06:00

As many of you may know, I have landed my absolute dream job as an assistant wedding coordinator for Soiree Wedding & Event Planning. So, even though I still am waiting on Matt to pop the question, I am always looking for great new ideas and inspirations for creative, gorgeous, and budget-friendly weddings. I recently came across a great new resource: Utterly Engaged is the first online wedding magazine, and I am definitely a fan! I have included some pictures below of a lovely tablescape they shot to demonstrate how to beautifully decorate for a backyard wedding. What do you think?

An instant library

2010-04-02T13:59:00.003-06:00

I have always dreamed of having a library in my house stocked from top to bottom with books of all shapes and sizes; however, until I am able to compile my dream collection (as well as the mahogany shelving to hold it all) this might have to do.

Via EarthArt on Etsy.com

Indoors--Outside

2010-03-24T12:46:00.005-06:00

Matthew has been really interested in grilling for the past two summers or so. Thinking of that, we have been talking a lot about hosting barbecues for friends at our new house this summer. I was shopping around online just to see how much outdoor furniture costs and was astonished to see the amazing furniture sets available these days. The colors, fabrics, and pillows I saw made it seem like the patio is just another room inside a house--and I love it! These "rooms" are wonderful & finally give the warmth and comfort to the outside that I have been seeking.

via Crate & Barrel

via West Elm

via Pottery Barn

What do you think of this new indoors-outside trend? Also, please let me know if you've seen any budget-friendly outdoor furniture options available in this area.

Spring blooms

2010-03-23T14:13:00.003-06:00

While I was out running errands today I drove by a small tree that was already in full bloom--covered in large pink blossoms, glowing in a ray of sunshine. I couldn't quit staring, and consequently almost rear-ended the car in front of me. Thankfully, I noticed just in time to save my bumper. Regardless, that gorgeous spring tree has been on my mind ever since.

As soon as I got home I started searching for images of spring flowers. I quickly came across these gorgeous photos {below} from J Crew's Spring 2009 Catalog. I can't seem to find a link back to the archive catalog, but did find one for their gorgeous Spring 2010 wedding line. Anyway, as pretty as the dresses featured below are, I just can't quit looking at the beautiful hydrangeas in the background. I guess you could say I've caught a case of spring fever!

Our house...

2010-03-22T11:40:00.004-06:00

is a very, very, very, fine house; with two ~~cats~~ dogs in the yard.... BUT we're ready for something of our very own!

Matt and I have been trying to work our way through the short sale process to buy the adorable house featured below, for oh, about 3 1/2 months now... It is totally our dream house, but also is completely within our budget. We were approved and ready to sign and close, when some big complication (looooong story!) made us have to start the entire process over.

Uggh! I am losing all my patience, and I thought that maybe we just needed a little more luck. So, if you could please cross your fingers for us, that would be fantastic! We should hear a final verdict some time this week, and although our Realtor is confident, every bit of luck we can get will only make me feel more confident.

Thanks all!

Eye Candy Du Jour

2010-03-22T10:29:00.006-06:00

A friend (Ruth Howard from Boise's Cakewalk Custom Cakes) just turned me on to the beautiful website and blog from Amy Atlas Events. The dessert tables, candies, and cakes pictured here are absolutely breathtaking! Not only are they amazing eye candy, but they also inspire many great ideas for creating beautiful tablescapes for every event one can throw. I am excited to see what I can put together for this summer's upcoming housewarming, engagement, and birthday parties I'll be planning. The color combinations, desserts, textured linens, and personalized details truly make these tables one-of-a-kind pieces of art.

Artfully Designed Tablescape

2010-03-16T21:03:00.007-06:00

Last week at Boise's Weddings Week 2010 there was a competition element; several companies were challenged with creating an artfully designed tablescape. The tables ranged from bohemian to classic and trendy to vintage. One of them--designed by Ampersand Studios--was absolutely memorable and lovely! As a photography and design company, it is more about the elements on paper that the girls (Francesca & Nichole) designed than any real wedding decor. However, everything included--from the table made from an old door and 4x4 posts to the birdcages hanging above the table--was absolutely gorgeous. The creative, cohesive design has inspired me to use DIY projects to enhance my home decor, instead of buying everything new.

Here are some photos of the table:

Be sure to visit Ampersand Studios for more lovely ideas!

Busy bee

2010-03-09T10:45:00.002-07:00

Hello all, I apologize for my extended leave of absence. I have been working with JAK Publications over the past two weeks to organize Weddings Week in Boise.

What is Weddings Week, you may ask? Well, it's only the coolest wedding showcase event to hit Boise--ever! Picture New York fashion week, "Say Yes to the Dress", and your dream wedding planner all rolled in to one amazing week-long event. The excitement started yesterday at BSU's Stueckle Sky Center. I got the chance to step away from my post for a while to mingle and ended up with hundreds of dollars in freebies... and that was only a fraction of what was available.

For all the amazing event details make sure you check out www.weddingsweek.com and www.weddingsweek.com/blog. If you are interested in attending the event, please send me an email (shira.grei@gmail.com) and I will make sure you receive either free one-day admission or a promo code to receive 50% off the All-Access Pass.

Serious eye-candy

2010-02-28T14:21:00.006-07:00

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....

2010-02-25T17:37:00.007-07:00

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!

2010-02-24T12:31:00.003-07:00

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

2010-02-19T14:23:00.008-07:00

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!)

2010-02-19T11:40:00.005-07:00

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!

2010-02-17T13:04:00.002-07:00

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

2010-02-16T19:17:00.004-07:00

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

2010-02-16T16:51:00.008-07:00

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!

2010-02-10T16:18:00.005-07:00

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

2010-02-10T10:45:00.004-07:00

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!

2010-02-09T17:00:00.004-07:00

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

2010-02-09T14:03:00.005-07:00

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

2010-02-06T17:22:00.006-07:00

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

Breathtaking cityscape

2010-01-30T14:38:00.005-07:00

I just discovered the amazing web invention known as www.stumbleupon.com and am thoroughly impressed with the pages I've "stumbled upon" so far. Because this blog is all about the beautiful things I come across during each day I've included a link to a website I found that shows a time lapse photo of downtown Toronto. As you move your mouse around over the image it alters the image to show the cityscape throughout the progression of the day and then after sundown. It is simply gorgeous how the light plays off the buildings at different times during the day. Trust me, you'll want to check this out:

CN Tower, Toronto

Adorable guest room

2010-01-28T16:17:00.005-07:00

I am in love with the decor in this bedroom! It would be perfect for the guest room in the house Matt and I are trying to buy. I can just imagine having out-of-town family and friends over to spend the weekend in this gorgeous room. What do you think?

Photo found at the adorable blog www.apartmenttherapy.com

A spot-on sentiment

2010-01-27T16:15:00.002-07:00

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” –Emily Bronte

I found this quote when scanning the internet today during another installment of unemployed boredom. However, this quote brought a smile to my face and brightened the day. It is always amazing to me when I see a quote that is absolutely spot-on for something I’ve tried unsuccessfully to describe so many times myself. I give full props to Emily Bronte for her amazing way with words and the ability she had to express love in the written language. This ability to put emotion into words is something that has constantly failed me for years. Way to go Miss Bronte!

In love with lovebirds

2010-01-26T18:52:00.011-07:00

While on Etsy.com earlier I noticed an abundance of lovebirds. They were everywhere! Adorable little birds cuddled up, overflowing with love for each other. I've included some of my favorites below:

http://tinyurl.com/yawhhh3

http://tinyurl.com/y887ne4

http://tinyurl.com/yaoc2uz

http://tinyurl.com/yavp7h6

http://tinyurl.com/ycpf6v7