Derby Day

Since the Kentucky Derby is this weekend, I thought I would post a little Derby inspiration on the blog today. I am pretty obsessed with Derby fashion and would love to partake in the festivities in Louisville one of these days. For now, I will just enjoy watching the race from the comfort of my home. I can still wear a hat while sitting on the couch right??

images via {Love You Mean It, Wedding Chicks, Sift & Whisk, Pretty Stuff, Snippet & Ink, Southern Living}

You can hop on over to Celebrate Magazine's blog today to check out the Derby party I styled last spring. It was a fun shoot to work on, especially since our location was so beautiful. And, it just so happens one of the models is my handsome hubs. Here is a little sneak peek...

image via {Celebrate Magazine}

Be sure to check out all the delicious recipes, especially the Mint Julep ice cream. You won't be disappointed!!

Tablescape Tuesday: My Baby Shower!

This past weekend my sweet sister and friends hosted the most beautiful baby shower for me and my little bun in the oven. So of course I just had to share some images today for Tablescape Tuesday :). The dining room table was set as a buffet for the the brunch with beautiful silver pieces, fine china, and annie glass. Flowers from the garden were displayed in silver cups and a sweet baby carriage. Each hostess picked out her favorite children's book and those graced the table along with silver baby rattles.

And, just for fun, here are a few snapshots from the shower...not related to the table :)

Currently Loving: Linen Textured Dinnerware from West Elm

I think every hostess needs a set of white dinnerware....it is classic and can be spiced up with different table linens to get a "new" look for each season. When I stumbled across West Elm's Linen Textured Dinnerware, I immediately fell in love!  I am absolutely smitten with the textured pattern it gives a traditional white dinner plate. No way you can say this dinnerware set is boring!!

image via {West Elm}

DIY to Try: Framed Agates

I've been in need of some art for a large wall in my den, but just haven't wanted to spend the money since I always tend to fall in love with whatever is the most expensive. With my in-laws coming in town this weekend and the baby arriving in just 7 weeks, I've felt the urgency to get a few things done around the house. This is what they call nesting, right? I've had my eye on framed agates in a local shop, but am going to try to frame some myself to save a little money.

I found this tutorial from Tanya at Dans Le Townhouse and am hoping to tackle this project in the next few days...

image via {Dans Le Townhouse}

Stay tuned....

Tablescape Tuesday: Blue & White

I'm crazy about this blue and white spring tablescape designed by Cassandra Lavalle from Coco + Kelley. I always get a little bit nervous when mixing patterns, but Cassandra seems to do it so effortlessly. I love the pattern play of the plates layered with the napkin, and the blue and white vases seem to fit just perfectly too. One of my favorite places to add a little character to the table is with glassware, so of course I can't get enough of these fun green glasses Cassandra uses as part of her tablescape. These images have me wanting to host a spring dinner party....what about you?

images via {Coco Kelley}

Easter Centerpieces

I'm always looking for floral inspiration, especially when I'm setting my dining room table for family and friends to enjoy a holiday meal. If you are the hostess this Easter Sunday, here are some of my favorite centerpieces that are perfect for the season...

images via {Pottery Barn, Jenny Steffens, We Heart It, Style Me Pretty Living}

Tablescape Tuesday: Easter

Easter is just around the corner, and if you haven't planned your tablescape yet, here is some inspiration for you! I love the rustic yet elegant vibe of this Easter picnic I spotted over on Style Me Pretty Living from Jessamyn Harris and The Monkey Flower Group. Easter doesn't have to be just about your fine china and silver. Take your celebration outdoors and let nature and flowers pop against simple white tableware.

images via {Style Me Pretty Living}

Easter Egg Round Up

Do you get tired of the traditional dyed Easter egg??  I do! If you are like me and need some inspiration on new ways to decorate eggs, here are a few fun ideas...

Images via {1. Alisa Burke, 2. Camille Styles, 3. Fabulous K, 4. Saudade}

I may just step outside of the box and tackle a new look for my eggs this year. How will you be decorating??

DIY to Try: Jewelry Blocks

I desperately need a stylish way to organize all my jewelry. I constantly dream of a fancy closet where I have TONS of room, a stylish wardrobe and the perfect way to organize it all. This DIY I spotted over on Emily Henderson's blog could definitely help me get my mess of jewelry under control.

{image via Emily Henderson}

Go here to see the full step by step process on how to make these fabulous jewelry blocks.

I would love to hear if you have a fun way of organizing your jewelry!!

Tablescape Tuesday

I've decided to start a new series on the blog called Tablescape Tuesday. As a lover of all things related to a party/entertaining, a tablescape is like eye candy to me! I'm always looking for creative ways to add personality to a table, whether I am hosting a fancy dinner party or just a casual gathering with friends. This tablescape from 100 Layer Cake gets me so in the mood for a spring tea party...

{images via 100 Layer Cake}

What is your favorite part of this table? The flowers...places cards tied to teacups...lace runner....striped straws....colorful chairs?? There is so much goodness I can't pick a favorite!

Two Months

If you've been following me on instagram you may have seen some of my selfie's lately that show off my growing baby bump. Yes...I'm expecting a sweet baby in June and today marks two months until my due date! I can't believe that I'm in the home stretch. At times I feel like this pregnancy has dragged along and other moments I feel like its flying by. I had my co-worker and friend Kamin take this quick pic of me at the office last week. She is one of my favorite photographers to work with!

With the baby's arrival just two months away, my husband tells me I am in serious "nesting" mode. I've definitely been giving him long lists of "honey do's" over the last few weekends. We have made a lot of progress on the nursery, but still have so much to do! Here are some images that have inspired my nursery design...

Images via {Style Me Pretty Living (1&2), Mom's Best Network, Rifle Paper Co, Sarah Otts, Urban Grace, Ginny Au, On To Baby, Serena & Lily}

Stay tuned for pictures from our nursery once it is complete!!

Dreaming of a Home Office

One day I would love to have a super stylish home office where I can organize all my inspiration for entertaining, home decorating, calligraphy and everything else in between. I'm not sure when or if this day will ever come, but a girl can dream right? Here are a few of my must haves for a home office space...

1. An inspiration wall

2. Chic office supplies

3. Lots of natural light

4. Hidden organization for my crafting supplies

5. Shelves for entertaining books and other resource materials

What do you currently have in your home office or wish you had that would make it stylish yet functional??

Image Credits: {1. Coco Kelly 2. For Chic Sake 3. Desire to Inspire 4. Liz Marie Blog 5. SF Girl by Bay}

DIY: A Lamp Transformed

When I saw this DIY over on Camille Styles' blog, I just knew I had to try it! I am crazy about gold accents in home furnishings and love incorporating them into my decor.

{Images above via Camille Styles}

While, I didn't have a mirror that needed updating, I did have an old lamp in my living room that has been desperately calling for a new look. I have never really liked this lamp...it was a hand-me-down, but most of the floor lamps I am crazy about are currently way out of my budget. So, I thought this could be a quick inexpensive fix! 

So, what do you think?? Not a dramatic transformation, but one that was long overdue. I feel like my lamp blends in better with my space and doesn't look out of date like before. If you want to tackle this DIY on a piece of furniture in your home, here is what you need...

SUPPLIES

1. Painter's tape

2. Drop cloth

3. Krylon Gold Foil Metallic spray paint

4. Rub N Buff

5. Small artist's paint brush

And, here is how to get the look...

STEPS

1. Wipe down piece of furniture with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust.

2. Place item on top of drop cloth and use painter's tape to cover any areas you don't want painted gold.

3. Spray item with Krylon spray paint according to directions on can. (My can of paint was a little problematic - it kept wanting to spray after I lifted my finger off the nozzle. I turned it upside down and this seemed to fix the problem. Just be aware!)

4. After spray paint has dried brush on rub n buff to give a little added texture.

5. Remove any painter's tape and enjoy your new look!