Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and if you are anything like me these days, you haven't done your shopping yet for mom. This is the first Mother's Day that I am officially a mom with a baby in tow, and I'm hoping the hubs has plans to spoil me this weekend. I deserve it right??!! Here are some top items on my list that may help those of you procrastinators out there with your last minute shopping!

1. Mel Fedora - perfect for beach trips this summer

2. Rain Drop Earrings - these babies should go with everything, right?

3. Rose Gold Aviators - this inexpensive pair is perfect for adding trendy rose gold into your wardrobe

4. Journal - taking notes looks so much better and is way more fun in a pretty journal

5. 50mm Lens - I really really need this to take pictures of my sweet baby and for this blog!

6. Gold Plated Fit Bit Cover - saw this idea on The Style Gathering and thought it was genius...just need to get the fit bit now too :)

7. Marble and Wood Cheese Board - my cheese platters will look so chic on this

8. Bamboo Classic Candle - BEST candle ever!

9. Leather Thong Sandals - because I live in sandals in the summer

Ginny Au's Styling Workshop

If you have never heard of Ginny Au, then you need to head on over to her web site, like now. (Well, finish reading this post first!).  Ginny is a destination wedding planner and stylist, but even if you aren't in the wedding industry, you should check out her work. She is an artist at her core, and the designs she creates are absolutely breathtaking.  Drawing inspiration from the beauty of her natural surroundings, Ginny's style is humble and authentic.  The tables she styles are warm and inviting...you want to pull up a chair, pour a glass of wine and simply soak up the beauty. I have been following Ginny's work for some time now, and when I came across her workshop schedule I immediately jumped at the chance to learn from her.  Last month, she hosted a workshop at The Nest, and it was the most perfect day. Not only did I get to learn from Ginny, but I made some new friends too! The day began with a slide presentation on Ginny's creative process, and then after lunch we got to "play" with her beautiful props...I was like a kid in a candy store!

Ginny broke us up into 3 small groups to work on honing our styling skills, which is how I got the chance to meet Buffy and Jennifer behind the blog The Style Gathering. If you haven't come across this blog, it's a must read. From fun cocktail recipes to fashion, beauty tips and what's happening around Birmingham, this blog has it all. 

Buffy and I worked on styling the table, while Jennifer did her thing behind the lens capturing all the fun details! We decided to go with a darker, somewhat moody look and I LOVE how it turned out. We used natural elements as part of our decor...we turned our tablecloth into a runner so that the beautiful wood table would not be completely covered up. Berries tied to the linens served as casual "napkin rings." Stones were haphazardly scattered down the middle of the table for a rustic vibe, and lenten roses plus some greenery were placed in terra cotta pots and a galvanized floral bucket. We wanted a little pop to the table so we added brass candlesticks, sans the candles, for a unique look...

After our table was complete we then tried our hand at styling a paper suite. I loved styling with Ginny's frou frou chic ribbon, vintage stamps and gold bowl, not to mention the beautiful invitation!  You must hop on over to The Style Gathering to see the paper packages Buffy styled. So much gorgeousness I can't handle it!

Finally, the last styling exercise involved working with a model. Buffy and I got some great tips from Ginny on how to style a veil. And, let me just say that veil was AHH-MAZING. Thank goodness Jennifer captured a great close up of it! And I can't forget to mention the lovely bouquet by the fabulous Holly Carlisle...

Thanks to Jennifer for all the fabulous images from the day. To see more from the workshop, head on over to The Style Gathering!

photo credit: Jennifer Hagler Photography

Dogwood Blooms

Everywhere I turn lately,  I see beautiful Dogwood trees in bloom. Oh how I wish I had one in my yard so I could trim a few branches to make a beautiful arrangement for Spring.  From simple branches styled in a glass vessel to abundant blooms mixed in, all these centerpieces have me itching to get my hands on some clippers...and dogwoods. What is your favorite Spring flower??

image via {Ballard Designs}

image via {DustJacket} photography by {Jose Villa}

image via {Ruffled Blog}

St. Germain? yes, please!

image via {Celebrate Magazine}

St. Germain is officially my new fav liqueur...maybe because its French or maybe because its just delicious. Either way, I'm wanting to mix all sorts of new cocktails with it. Last weekend I tried a French Blonde (which I highly recommend!), and next on my list is this beautiful cocktail from Celebrate Magazine ... the St. Germain Gin and Tonic. G&T's are always my go to cocktail, so I have a feeling I'm going to love this too. 

Cheers to the weekend friends!!

Rosegolden + Bourgeon, A Flower Workshop

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of learning the art of flower arranging from two fabulous florists, Holly of Rosegolden and Amy of Bourgeon. These creative ladies hosted a workshop in Birmingham at The Nest  (one of my favorite venues in town!), and it was such a blast.  I got to spend the afternoon with the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen and champagne too!! Thanks to Laura of Jett Walker Photography, I have some gorgeous images to share with you from the day...

My fabulous teachers for the day...Holly and Amy

And with their instruction, here is the arrangement I put together...

          all images via {Jett Walker Photography}

What do you think?? 

Red Carpet Recap

And the award of best dressed goes to.....

Reese!

Not only is this dress beautiful, but it looks AMAZING on Reese. This one definitely takes #1 in my book. I love the classic black and white combined with the modern neckline. White seemed to emerge as a big trend this year with several ladies sporting this timeless color.

I'm not normally drawn to red but Dakota Johnson rocked this one shoulder number. It fits her like a glove and oh how I love that jeweled strap!!!  I'm also digging her natural hair and make-up. Well done D.

Margot Robbie killed it in this long sleeve gown by Saint Laurent. Its so sleek and that necklace really completes the look. I love her bold red lip color too. 

And my final top pick goes to Jennifer Anniston. She always seems to look flawless on the red carpet. I love the detailing in this dress, and the color....it really looked so much better on TV than it does here, so hopefully you were watching last night!

OK, so I don't want to dwell on the worst dressed but I just have to say what in the world was Nicole Kidman thinking with this one????

She is gorgeous but really this dress is just awful for me. I don't know what to say....

What were your favorites and least favorites this year???

*all images via {Vogue}

Oscar's Party Inspiration

With the Oscars this weekend, I thought I would put together a little inspiration for a last minute soiree! Grab your sequins, pop some champagne, and you will be on your way to some oscar viewing fun. 

images clockwise via {urban outfitters, sugar and charm, paperless post, pottery barn kids, style me pretty, lonny}

I have to admit I like watching the red carpet more than the actual awards. I can't wait to see all the fabulous dresses(and not so fabulous ones too)....what about you???

A Twist on Cakes

My birthday is coming up in a couple of days, so I thought I would do a little round up of a few fun cake ideas for those of you who might want to step outside of the box for your next celebration...

Gold glitter donuts??? This is definitely a winner in my book!

Who doesn't love an Oreo? All you need is some milk to go along with this one. A tray of milk shooters would be the perfect compliment!

If you are a big fan of breakfast this waffle cake is for you! And we can pretend it's healthy since it has raspberries, right??

I love a macaroon and this colorful collection has me smiling from ear to ear!

Which one is your favorite???

Images via {1&2. Style Me Pretty 3. Fool Proof Living 4. Bridal Musings}

Bloom The Workshop

Last October I attended Bloom, a workshop for creatives, and I can't believe it has taken me this long to finally put together a blog post.  My amateur photos hardly do justice to the gorgeous tablescape designed by Michaela. This workshop was just what my creative little soul needed to recharge and since it has been a few months, I feel like it is just about time again for another workshop! Hopefully you will love the beauty captured here as much as I do...

Vintage glassware and china, macaroons, hand lettered menu, vibrant blooms....um, yes, this workshop had it all! If this table wasn't enough gorgeousness for you, check out the amazing dessert table styled by LeeAnn Hurd. I'm not sure which one is my favorite!!

I seriously can't get enough of the gold cakes and beautiful flowers!! If you are interested in attending future Bloom workshops, then head on over to the website, The Bloom Workshop for more information.