Melissa's Greetings

Happy Birthday Eric!

2009-06-22T23:13:00.002-04:00

Today is Eric's birthday :)

The Weekend {June 5-7}

2009-06-08T11:54:00.007-04:00

{went to the flea market and we got a pretty cake stand and cool glass insulator from the 1800's}

{went to our local farmer's market}

{had the best tacos here}

{organized for our yard sale next weekend}

{made strawberry pie}

I hope everyone had a happy weekend :)

ScrappyTime's First Retail Location

2009-06-02T13:26:00.010-04:00

I'm so excited for my sister! ScrappyTime.com just opened their first retail location at the Westchester Mall in New York today. It's such a beautiful space. When we were younger my family lived in New York and that was the mall we would visit. I wish them the best of luck :)

The Weekend {May 29-31}

2009-06-01T12:50:00.008-04:00

{went to the library}

{made french toast}

{put up seashell lights on our patio}

{made iced coffee at home}

{tried out my camera's zoom lens on a dragonfly}

I hope everyone had a happy weekend :)

Peony::Love is Getting Married

2009-05-30T16:24:00.000-04:00

Amanda from Peony::Love is getting married today! I hope they are having the happiest day, I can't wait to hear all about it :)

image from Peony::Love

Baby Geese

2009-05-29T13:24:00.008-04:00

Last night we walked to the pond near our house to see baby geese we drove by earlier. Eric gave them some bread while I took photographs. They were so cute and fuzzy!

{the baby geese}

{the whole geese family}

Mini Apple Crisp

2009-05-28T15:15:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite desserts is apple crisp. The other night I made homemade applesauce, another one of my favorites, and decided to use part of it to make mini apple crisps. I also love anything miniature :)

Here is the recipe created with recipes from all recipes and cooks.com.

applesauce
4 apples peeled, cored, and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar (feel free to use less)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
combine ingredients in a saucepan and cover
cook for 15 to 20 minutes on medium heat.

crisp topping
1/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
mix together until crumbly

fill two ramekins with homemade applesauce and sprinkle with crisp topping
bake in oven at 375 for about 20 minutes

North Carolina State Flea Market

2009-05-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

On Sunday we went to the North Carolina State Flea Market. The weather was so nice outside and there were so many cool things to see. Here are some of my favorite things that I wish I could have taken home with me :)

{pretty pale pink mirror}

{vintage shell purse}

{cool belt buckles}

{pretty pink glasses}

{prints of old maps}

The Weekend {May 22-25}

2009-05-26T15:48:00.009-04:00

This weekend one of our friends came to visit us from Atlanta. We were both friends with him in college before Eric and I knew each other. Here are some moments from our weekend :)

{made a craft for ScrappyTime}

{the guys drank a little whiskey}

{visited the North Carolina State Flea Market}

{went to see the Terminator}

{had a mocha frappaccino on Monday morning}

I hope everyone had a happy weekend :)

Inspired By Wisteria

2009-05-22T17:38:00.008-04:00

Ever since I discovered Wisteria through Anne from the City Sage I dream about all the things I would love to order when I get their catalog in the mail. When I saw their shadowboxed shells I was inspired to try and make my own version :)

image from Wisteria

{my version}

I used a shadowbox frame that was originally given to me for the tassel from my college graduation. I covered the back piece of the frame with a piece of white cardstock. Then I picked a few shells from my seashell collection and adhered them to the cardstock with small pieces of foam tape. I can't wait to hang it up!

Catalogs Wishlist

2009-05-21T23:00:00.004-04:00

I would say my style is beachy, casual, and simple. I love this time of year when stores are filled with items inspired by summer. Here are some of my favorites from the most recent catalogs :)

{glass fishing floats from Wisteria}

{silver plated shells from Williams Sonoma Home}

{cold beverage jar from Crate and Barrel}

{sea life pillow covers from Pottery Barn}

{phantom table lamp from CB2}

images from Wisteria, Williams Sonoma Home,
Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, and CB2

Fun Things To Do

2009-05-20T23:57:00.006-04:00

{before}

{after}

I can't believe this will already be our second summer here in North Carolina. Over the weekend I was inspired to create this book while looking for visiting information on our local museums. I covered a small notebook I had with a colorful piece of scrap paper and labeled it fun :) After doing a little research it's filled with fun things to do that are free and inexpensive in and around Raleigh. I'll keep you updated on our adventures :)

The Weekend {May 15-17}

2009-05-17T17:40:00.017-04:00

{went to see Star Trek}

{made banana bread}

{watched the movie, Bottle Shock, at home}

I hope everyone had a happy weekend :)

Bahamas Honeymoon Contest

2009-05-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

Wedding Paper Divas is hosting an amazing contest. They have partnered with the Islands of the Bahamas to offer four unique wedding invitations suites and the chance to win a week long honeymoon escape to Kamalame Cay in the Bahamas!

{Kamalame Cay}

To enter visit Wedding Paper Divas before June 12th. While you are there make sure to check out their destination wedding invitations collection and of course their endless supply of unique wedding invitations. Here are a couple of their new designs inspired by the Bahamas in my favorites colors :)

{Out Islands}

{Beautiful Bahamas}

images from Kamalame Cay and Wedding Paper Divas

Happy Birthday Dustie

2009-05-13T12:25:00.005-04:00

Today is my brother's birthday! Here is the card I made for him inspired by a sticker :)

{inspiration from this sticker}

{card for my photographer brother}

My Final Photography Assignment

2009-05-08T18:26:00.004-04:00

This week was the last week for my photography class. I loved taking this class, I learned so much about the technical aspects of photography. I only wish I discovered how much I love photography years ago. My final assignment was to take two images, one showing happiness and the other showing red. Here are the two photographs I submitted :)

{happiness}

{red}

My Third Photography Assignment

2009-05-08T18:05:00.003-04:00

In class last week we covered the different creative zone modes on my camera along with elements of exposure. My assignment was to take two photographs using a semi-automatic mode to show different depths of field. I was excited to find magnolia trees that bloomed. Here are the two photographs I submitted :)

{shallow depth of field}

{expansive depth of field}

The Swimsuit Search Begins

2009-05-06T19:45:00.008-04:00

This morning I got an email from J.Crew about their spring sale. Every year it takes me a few tries to find a swimsuit that makes me happy. I have been saving a J.Crew gift card from a swimsuit I returned last summer. I think I was more focused on wedding planning than finding a swimsuit :) Today I ordered this one from J.Crew and was so happy that it was on sale!

images from J.Crew

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-05T13:10:00.009-04:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo! It's a rainy day today but maybe we will celebrate with margaritas tonight :)

I Love This Quote

2009-05-04T15:26:00.001-04:00

I ♥ Pancakes

2009-05-03T14:28:00.006-04:00

Pancakes on a Sunday morning just make me happy :)

The Flashdance

2009-05-01T18:52:00.011-04:00

This week I was really excited to get this CD from the Flashdance. I love music and have always listened to everything (when I was little my dad was in a Doors cover band :)

The Flashdance is such a creative site filled with amazing photography and cool music. For anyone getting married they are an endless source of inspiration! :)

bottom image from the Flashdance

J.Crew Behind the Design

2009-04-30T17:44:00.010-04:00

The new J.Crew catalog just arrived in the mail and of course I am in love with everything. Is it legal to have so many amazing things in one place? :) They have a great feature about the designers and what inspires them. You can read more about them online too. I love this quote from one of the women's designers.

"I keep a seasonal journal for concepting. Anything from a ticket stub that finds its way into a graphic tee to a feather that might not get used at all--we use the journal every day." -M.W.

p.s. Check out this cool crafty post on ScrappyTime!

My Weekend in New York

2009-04-29T18:07:00.009-04:00

I had the best time in New York with my sister who lives right across the street from the beach. We made dinner together, made funfetti cake, watched TV, and did some crafty things for ScrappyTime. On Saturday morning we drove into the city to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden which was amazing. We went at the perfect time for cherry blossom viewing season and I think I took over three hundred photographs there! The weather was perfect and the sky was so blue. Then we stopped to have lunch outside at San Loco before we went to Serendipity for dessert.

I love New York, my family lived there for awhile and I went to middle and high school in Bedford. My sister and I have a plan to someday live next door to each other and have a big, cool barn that we can share for holidays, parties, or just a Tuesday :) Here are some of my favorite moments and photographs from this weekend. You can see more of them on flickr too :)

{Long Beach}

{Brooklyn Botanic Garden}

{the best tacos at San Loco}

{frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity}

{tulips in the city}

Going to New York Today

2009-04-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

For my birthday Eric gave me a ticket to New York to visit my sister. I'm so excited! Hopefully someday we will live down the street from each other. Yesterday my sister posted photographs of her crafty space over at ScrappyTime. This is where I get to stay this weekend :)

image from ScrappyTime

My Second Photography Assignment

2009-04-22T22:12:00.005-04:00

My second photography assignment was due today. This week we covered the different automatic modes of my camera including portrait and sports. Here are the photographs I submitted :)

{our cat Jack taken in portrait mode}

{Eric playing the guitar taken in sports mode}

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T22:04:00.002-04:00

Mason Jar Lamp

2009-04-21T09:00:00.009-04:00

I am lucky enough to have a collection of aqua blue mason jars from our wedding that we used for the centerpieces. I love finding crafty projects that inspire me to find new uses for things I already have :)

{great book I borrowed from the library}

{their version}

{my version filled with seashells}

Here are the instructions from the book :

you'll need:
push-thru side out socket
25 watt or lower lightbulb
1"of threaded rod
check ring with 3/8"diameter
1"diameter rubber washer
mason jar
clip on lamp shade
drill and 3/8" diameter drill bit

1. Drill a hole into the center of the jar's lid.
2. Put your threaded rod through the hole. However high you want the bulb to be from the lamp's base is how much threaded rod you should leave above the lid.
3. From the top side of the lid, screw your push-thru side out socket onto the threaded rod.
4. Place your rubber washer on the threaded rod on the underside of the lid, then screw on your check ring. Make sure to tighten the ring to keep everything in place.
5. Fill the jar
6. Screw on the lid. You should be left with the socket pointing upward.
7. Place in your lightbulb and clip on your lampshade.

My Crafty Space

2009-04-20T19:54:00.001-04:00

You can take a look at my own crafty space over at ScrappyTime :)

DonorsChoose.org

2009-04-19T21:29:00.006-04:00

image from DonorsChoose.org

"At DonorsChoose.org, K-12 public school teachers submit ideas for materials or experiences their students need to learn. These proposals become classroom reality when concerned individuals like you choose to fund their projects, from "Magical Math Centers" to "Cooking Across the Curriculum."

Over the weekend I received an email from Crate and Barrel with a giving card to donate to DonorsChoose.org. I gave our donation to "Dropping In On Art", submitted by an Arts and Humanities teacher in Kentucky hoping to get twelve Dropping In series books and videos covering Grant Wood, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Romare Bearden, Henri Rousseau, and Andy Warhol for her students. When I was in elementary school I remember watching Bob Ross paint his happy little trees :) I think every child should have the opportunity to learn about and be inspired by art :)

Four Leaf Clover

2009-04-19T15:00:00.004-04:00

While Eric was running this morning he found a four leaf clover. It was my job to preserve it so I carefully placed it between sheets of white paper and am pressing it between some heavy cookbooks. I have a small frame that I think it might look pretty in too. Has anyone else ever found a four leaf clover? :)

Antler Magazine Issue Two

2009-04-19T14:31:00.008-04:00

image from Antler Magazine

The second issue of Antler Magazine is here! I can't wait to take a look at it :)

My First Photography Assignment

2009-04-15T22:43:00.008-04:00

Yesterday was my birthday :) Eric made me pancakes for breakfast, I talked to my family and friends, and my mom sent me flowers that arrived in a teapot. I separated the flowers and I put the pink roses in a mason jar.

I also worked on the first assignment for my photography clas s that covered color and exposure that was due today. This was the first time I used one of the semi-automatic modes on my new camera. It took me a little while to understand, here are the two photographs I submitted :)

Inspiration Cork Board

2009-04-13T14:47:00.006-04:00

On Saturday I went to A.C. Moore and got a cork board for a little over five dollars! It was originally 10.99 and and I saved $5.50 with a 50% off one item coupon that I had. When I was looking for the store address online I saw that you can print coupons from A.C.Moore.com too.

Here it is as the inspiration board in my crafty room :)

{click image to enlarge}

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T16:35:00.003-04:00

{little bunnies my mom sent us for Easter}

I hope everyone is having a Happy Easter! :)

Easter Decorations

2009-04-10T15:11:00.006-04:00

{bunny cards I made for our families}

{on top of our fireplace}

{and of course some bunny and easter egg garland}

I used this bunny template from Martha Stewart for the cards and the garland :)

Springtime Giveaway at ScrappyTime

2009-04-09T12:34:00.004-04:00

ScrappyTime is having a great springtime giveaway! If you spend $30 or more at ScrappyTime.com you get a free album now through April 15th while supplies last. For $30 this is what I would get :)

{scallop dot edge punch, sepia fine-tip writing pen, scrap metal adhesive word, tea set embellishment, lower case chipboard letters, pearl brads}

all images from ScrappyTime.com

One of the Best Days Ever

2009-04-08T15:21:00.008-04:00

I don't even have words to describe how happy and excited I am right now. This afternoon I received a package from my sister and my mom for my birthday which is not till next Tuesday. My sister wanted me to call her when I got the package so I could open one gift from her today. And guess what it was!

{my own copy of Martha Stewart's Encylopedia of Crafts}

{inscription from my sister on the first page}

{signed by Martha Stewart!!!}

I am still in shock. So last Thursday I saw that Martha Stewart was having a book signing at the Michaels in Westbury, NY on Friday. I emailed and texted my sister who lives in Long Beach, NY to let her know just in case she had a moment or two to stop by. She let me know she would love to go but wasn't able to be there on Friday. Needless to say she went and surprised me with one of the best gifts ever. It's going to take me a lifetime to say thank you and give her an equally amazing gift. My mission now is to run into Alexander McQueen, my sister's favorite designer, and get an autograph for her (that sounds pretty easy right? :)

I always say I have the best sister, but I really do! The best part is she got to meet Martha Stewart and have a copy signed for her too! :)

p.s. You can see photographs my sister took at the signing on her blog, ScrappyTime, too!

An Early Birthday Gift

2009-04-08T15:00:00.002-04:00

Eric's parents gave me an online photography course from BetterPhoto.com for my birthday to help me learn more about my new camera. It's a four week course and today I received my first lesson. I love taking pictures but I don't really know anything about the technical aspects of photography. I'm really excited to see what I learn! I see a lot of photo shoots in my future :)

The Bee Paperie

2009-04-07T18:00:00.001-04:00

I recently heard about The Bee Paperie, a custom design studio that specializes in invitations and stationery. I love that their name comes from the old saying, "to have a bee in your bonnet" which means to be preoccupied or obsessed with an idea.

By reading about their process I could tell they are all about the details. During their consultation they encourage you to provide them with photographs, magazine clippings, fabric swatches, and other items that inspire you, an idea I love! Here are some of my favorites from their portfolio :)

{Savannah}

{Seaside}

{Celebrate}

all images from The Bee Paperie

My Blog Turns One

2009-04-04T23:46:00.007-04:00

My blog turns one today! I can't believe a year has already gone by since I started this while planning our wedding. Along the way I've met so many creative and sweet people. Thank you so much to everyone who has stopped by to say hi :)

Friends of the Library

2009-04-02T02:48:00.006-04:00

Last month I helped create a logo for Eric's mom who is involved with the Friends of the Library project in her town. It was my first time using Adobe Illustrator and I am not a graphic designer by any means but I was happy with how it turned out. The logo was printed on tote bags and I was so excited to get one of them in the mail yesterday :)

Gratitute Award

2009-04-01T14:57:00.005-04:00

Last week Tara from In This Instance, a blog I love, gave me an award. I'm a few days late on my post but just wanted to say thank you!

Like all awards, it comes with a set of rules:
1) put the logo on your blog or post
2) nominate at least 10 blogs who show great attitude or gratitude
3) be sure to link your nominees within your post
4) let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
5) share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award

So I nominate, in no particular order :)
Classic Bride
The City Sage
Delight By Design
The Relentless Bride
Heart of Light
Elizabeth Anne Designs Living
Peonies and Polaroids
Peony Love
The Bright Side Project
I Do It Yourself

Lemlem at J.Crew

2009-03-31T13:56:00.007-04:00

image from J.Crew

Yesterday I received the new J.Crew catalog in the mail and the first thing I noticed were the beautiful pieces handcrafted by Lemlem. Liya Kebede, an international goodwill ambassador and model for J.Crew, created Lemlem "as a way to inspire economic independence in her native country and to preserve the art of weaving." Not only are the pieces beautiful but I love the meaning behind them :)

p.s. Today is the launch of Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts!

One...

2009-03-30T18:40:00.003-04:00

I was inspired to do this post after I saw this on Peonies and Polaroids :)

one picture

{a group wedding photograph}

image from Mary Basnight

one poem

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of times. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many person strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not digress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labor or aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. - Max Ehrmann

one song

one quote

"peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." -unknown

one item of clothing

{cashmere cardigan}
image from J.Crew

one place

{Duck, North Carolina}

one disney princess

image from Little Ariel

I ♥ Jack Johnson

2009-03-28T14:21:00.009-04:00

image from art.com

Listening to Jack Johnson just makes me happy :)

Antler Magazine

2009-03-24T14:22:00.009-04:00

image from Antler Magazine

I just heard about Antler Magazine today from my sister and it's amazing! I love the idea of an online magazine and love that they feature artists and designers from all over. I spent about an hour this morning reading their very first issue and am already feeling inspired :)

"ANTLER is an online magazine which focuses on composing a collection of beautiful, inspiring ideas and designs from all aspects of life. We come in the body of a fashion magazine, but are more than just that. We look for ways to inspire through not only fashion, but art, design, literature, and culture."
-from Antler Magazine

Our Own Mrs. Field's Cookies

2009-03-22T23:30:00.002-04:00

This weekend Eric and I made cookies with a recipe he found on cooks.com for Mrs. Field's cookies. They turned out really good, but I think we made enough to start our own bakery :)

Happy Spring

2009-03-20T15:18:00.009-04:00

image from Williams Sonoma

I'm so happy spring is here! It's my favorite time of year because it's not too hot and not too cold. I love this peony wreath from Williams Sonoma and think it would be the perfect decoration for spring :)

A Dream Job

2009-03-19T14:31:00.006-04:00

The Craft's Dept. at Martha Stewart started their own blog and it's amazing! This would be my dream job... :)

{working in a great space surrounded by crafty supplies
and having a view of the city}

{being able to take a sewing class at work}

{working with so many creative people
and creating fun parties at work}

all images from the Craft's Dept.

Anniversary Sale at Wedding Paper Divas

2009-03-18T13:22:00.004-04:00

image from Wedding Paper Divas

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T18:28:00.005-04:00

"May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,
and may trouble avoid you wherever you go."
-Irish Blessing

It wouldn't be a holiday without some sort of garland decoration :) I hope everyone has a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

And the winner is...

2009-03-16T12:39:00.002-04:00

Congratulations Blair! Thank you so much to everyone that entered my very first giveaway. I hope you all had a nice weekend! :)

This Young House

2009-03-15T23:30:00.000-04:00

images from This Young House

Over the weekend I discovered This Young House and am so inspired by their house. You can tell so much love and thought went into every detail. The photograph of their laundry room inspired me to put the bag of clothespins I have in a pretty mason in our laundry room. This is a house that just makes me happy :)

Very Pretty Dress

2009-03-13T13:14:00.005-04:00

image from J.Crew

This would make such a pretty bridesmaid dress and of course I love the color :)

Don't forget to enter my giveaway too :)

My 200th Post and a Giveaway!

2009-03-09T23:00:00.004-04:00

image from ScrappyTime

One of my new favorite sites, ScrappyTime, recently launched their website and kindly offered to give away this pretty green photo album scrapbook handcrafted by Pulp Products. To win just visit ScrappyTime and leave a comment here letting me know what your favorite item is by midnight this Sunday, March 15th. I'll randomly pick and announce the winner on Monday. Make sure to stop by their blog too! :)

Update: Hi everyone, the giveaway is extended till Sunday night and I'll announce the winner on Monday. Thank you for entering! :)

Thermography at Wedding Paper Divas

2009-03-05T15:30:00.009-05:00

In addition to the many unique wedding invitations they already carry Wedding Paper Divas just launched their new thermography collection. Some of their first designs feature beautiful wedding invitations along with all the stationery you would need to create the perfect invitation suite. William Arthur's thermography is used to print these exclusive designs for Wedding Paper Divas. Here are a few of my favorites in robin's egg blue, even their names are pretty :)

{graceful garland}

{shoreline treasures}

{luxurious lace}

all images from Wedding Paper Divas

Cherry Blossoms in the Snow

2009-03-02T17:56:00.008-05:00

Two of my favorite things together! We had another snow day in North Carolina today and it was so pretty :)

Peonies and Polaroid's Shop

2009-03-02T11:09:00.006-05:00

image from Peonies and Polaroids

Peonies and Polaroids just opened up her own shop on Etsy. I would love to have one of her prints and maybe someday be able to take a photograph as pretty as this :)

Banana Crepes

2009-02-28T13:56:00.007-05:00

I like to pretend I'm a photographer, so there's always the possibility of a photo shoot even at breakfast :)

{crepes}

{sauteed bananas}

{banana crepes}

I Have the Best Sister

2009-02-27T01:55:00.008-05:00

My sister is so nice and not just because she sends me boxes of fun stuff in my favorite color :) This was in the package I got from her today :)

{organizing containers, dry erase board, and pretty curtains}

{pretty aqua blue and brown bins}

Magazine Organization

2009-02-25T15:24:00.007-05:00

I absolutely love magazines and finally went through all of the ones I had collected especially the wedding ones. When I was engaged I went through a phase where I felt I needed to have everyone wedding magazine that existed :) I slowly went through them all while watching Thursday night TV and saved only the pages that I love along with some interesting articles too. I placed them into clear plastic sheets and put them in either my wedding and party inspiration binder or my article and decorating inspiration binder. I couldn't part with my Martha Stewart Weddings magazines or my past issues of Martha Stewart Living :)

{my wedding and party inspiration binder}

{my article and decorating inspiration binder}

{my Martha Stewart Wedding magazines}

Pretty Tree Blossoms

2009-02-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

"Nothing can bring you peace but yourself"
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last Minute Oscar Ideas

2009-02-22T14:19:00.014-05:00

popcorn containers from Plum Party, ballot from Oscar.com,
statues from Oscar.org, champagne flutes from Red Envelope
twizzlers from Hersheys.com, my photograph

I really love any reason to celebrate and I love watching award shows! Before the show starts tonight you could print an official ballot from Oscar.com or make a quick trivia game with questions from Oscar.org. Champagne or sparkling cider {my favorite} makes everything a little fancier and of course anything to do with the movies wouldn't be complete without popcorn and twizzlers :)

My Grandmother's Scrapbook

2009-02-20T16:12:00.012-05:00

I have been working on simplifying my things for what has felt like a lifetime :) A few years ago my mom gave me one of my grandmother's scrapbooks and I found it again today while I was looking through my stuff. Sometimes it takes me some time to organize because I have a tendency to stop and reminisce. Here are some of the pages from her scrapbook which is a little over seventy years old :)

{her scrapbook}

{a pretty pink get well card}

{a colorful get well card}

{a Washington stamp}

{a Jefferson stamp}

Pretty Ring Dish

2009-02-19T14:01:00.005-05:00

{Urban Outfitters version}
image from Urban Outfitters

{my version}

Simple Things

2009-02-18T01:42:00.006-05:00

"walk in the rain
smell the flowers
stop along the way
build sandcastles
go on fieldtrips
find out how things work
tell stories
say the magic words
trust the universe"
-Bruce Williamson

Valentine's Day Dinner

2009-02-15T11:50:00.009-05:00

Yesterday we stayed home and cooked dinner together for Valentine's Day. Eric made grilled chicken and I made a red wine risotto for the first time by myself. When we cook I am usually the sous chef because Eric is a much better cook :)

{our new wedding china}

{our centerpiece}

Happy Hearts Day

2009-02-14T15:22:00.006-05:00

This morning we received this heart shaped tea set packaged in a pretty yellow hat box from my mom. I hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day :)

Valentines

2009-02-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

I made a few Valentine's Day cards for our families. Before I sent them they had a quick photo shoot :)

I ♥ Conversation Hearts

2009-02-12T00:45:00.002-05:00

I sprinkled the last of our conversation hearts on a cake stand to take a picture and the you & me heart just happened to fall like that :)

Heart Garland

2009-02-11T14:37:00.007-05:00

I made some heart garland with some extra doilies from my showerette to decorate our fireplace for Valentine's Day :)

Carnation Heart

2009-02-10T01:30:00.002-05:00

Last year when we registered at Crate and Barrel for our wedding we were given this pretty glass heart bowl. On Valentine's Day last year I filled it with pink carnations and used it as our table centerpiece for dinner. I love carnations because they are inexpensive, simple, and are so pretty just by themselves :)

Seashell Frame

2009-02-09T02:33:00.005-05:00

This weekend I was feeling crafty and decided to make a seashell frame. I painted a simple frame that I already had white and carefully used a hot glue gun to attach some seashells :)

The Grammys

2009-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

image from Grammy.com

I am so excited to watch the Grammys tonight! I love the Foo Fighters and can't wait to see Dave Grohl perform with Paul McCartney :)

Share Your Engagement Story

2009-02-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

image from Wedding Paper Divas

Wedding Paper Divas is giving away a $500 gift certificate for the best engagement story they receive. You can enter even if you've already purchased your wedding invitations or already living happily ever after. They are accepting entries until February 22nd and will be posting their favorites stories every week on their blog, Diva Dialogues. For all the details visit Wedding Paper Divas and share your proposal story :)

Scratch Off Save the Date

2009-02-05T14:17:00.006-05:00

Eric is going to be a groomsman in his friend's wedding this September. We just received their scratch off save the date for their wedding in New Jersey :)

Encyclopedia of Crafts

2009-02-04T14:04:00.004-05:00

image from Amazon.com

I'm so excited to someday add this book to my Martha Stewart collection, it will be released on March 31st :)

My Dream Bag

2009-02-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

image from J.Crew

Wedding Day Barbie

2009-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Many many years ago my sister and I received the Barbie Dream House on Christmas morning. Although we no longer have the house we still have our Barbies and the accessories all packed away at our mom's house. When we were home for Christmas we were seriously considering bidding on a few vintage Dream Houses on eBay :)

{my mom, my sister, and me}

As a bridal shower gift my older brothers gave me Wedding Day Barbie and she now sits on a shelf in my crafty room :)

I ♥ Wedding Paper Divas

2009-01-29T23:03:00.023-05:00

Recently Wedding Paper Divas sent me samples of their wedding announcements, save the date cards, and wedding invitations for me to review. Last May Eric and I ordered our own wedding invitations from them and I was more than happy to have the chance to look at more of their products. Not to mention that I love cards, stationery, and pretty paper.

{sample save the date cards}

For me picking our invitations was a tough decision and I was so happy to find Wedding Paper Divas and discover their seaside elega nce invitations. When they were delivered they could not have been more perfect for us. The weight and feel of their cardstock was the first thing I noticed when I opened my own invitations and samples they recently sent to me. I love the beautiful colors, designs, and fonts they use for everything from their bridal shower and rehearsal dinner invitations to the very important thank you cards. No detail is overlooked.

{sample wedding invitations}

{sample wedding announcement}

I could go on and on about all of their products, services including their custom wedding websites, and wonderful customer service {free proofs and shipping}. They truly have a style and price for everyone and they even have their own wedding blog, Diva Dialogues :)

And lastly my favorite :)

{our wedding invitation}

My Own Recipe Journal

2009-01-29T17:00:00.005-05:00

This past weekend my friend {one of my bridesmaids too} came to visit and surprised me with this recipe journal from Williams Sonoma monogrammed with my initials :) I think this would make a great bridal shower or wedding gift too!

Squirt

2009-01-29T14:28:00.007-05:00

image from my mom

My brother just adopted a puppy from New Hope Cattle Dogs in Colorado. I can't wait to meet him :)

I ♥ This Dress

2009-01-29T03:24:00.006-05:00

images from J.Crew

How pretty is this dress?! :)

A Snowy Sunset

2009-01-20T17:56:00.004-05:00

{our snowy sunset}

Snow Day

2009-01-20T11:07:00.020-05:00

Last night we heard it might snow here in North Carolina but I didn't quite believe it. Eric woke me up before it was light out to show me the snow just in case it didn't stick. I am like a little kid and was so excited this morning to see the ground covered in snow. It's still snowing :)

{stomping around in my Uggs}

{snowy berries}

{snowy magnolia tree}

Nie Nie is Back

2009-01-16T23:45:00.000-05:00

image from coolchaser.com

Stephanie, her husband, and family are such an inspiration :)

Dried Bouquet

2009-01-15T17:07:00.011-05:00

My mom surprised me with a dried bouquet from our wedding when I was home for Christmas :)

Christmas in Colorado

2009-01-13T12:45:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately my pictures from Christmas were erased from my memory card when I saved them on my mom's computer. Luckily my mom sent me a CD with them that I received yesterday. Here are some moments from our Christmas in Colorado :)

Sunday Dinner

2009-01-12T20:00:00.007-05:00

{macaroni and cheese}

{applesauce}

We had pork chops too. I used the macaroni and cheese recipe from Martha Stewart Everyday Food {without ham} and the applesauce recipe came from allrecipes. On Christmas my sister saved the day and made this applesauce when we ran out butter to make apple crisp. I love this applesauce and it's so simple to make. I practiced taking pictures with my new camera too :)

SD Calligraphy

2009-01-12T08:00:00.005-05:00

Sarah from one of my favorite blogs, Classic Bride, just opened up her own shop, SD Calligraphy, on Friday. She did all of the beautiful calligraphy for her recent wedding too. Congratulations Sarah! :)

image from SD Calligraphy

A New Camera

2009-01-11T14:35:00.009-05:00

On Friday Eric surprised me with a camera I never thought I would have. I love taking pictures and I found an inexpensive non-credit photography class that I might take especially now that I have this amazing camera :)

{my new camera}

{our cat Jack taken with my new camera}

Bride Wars

2009-01-09T00:30:00.000-05:00

image from moviefone.com

"You don't alter Vera Wang, you alter yourself to fit Vera."
-Kate Hudson in Bride Wars

I'm so excited to see Bride Wars, I think Kate Hudson is so funny :)

My Treasure Chest

2009-01-05T23:38:00.007-05:00

The day before our wedding my father in law gave me this trunk that he restored as a gift. He even placed a small gold plate engraved "Missy's Treasures" on the top of the trunk. This was such a thoughtful gift and it makes me happy to fill it with all of my keepsakes :)

Urban Belle Couture

2009-01-02T15:57:00.015-05:00

image from Etsy

My sister just opened up her own Etsy shop, Urban Belle Couture. She created this keychain for me with pieces from her antique and vintage button collection :)

Year Book

2009-01-01T16:08:00.003-05:00

image from Martha Stewart

I love this idea from Martha Stewart about creating a first day book including New Year's eve memories and adding to it throughout the year. I hope everyone is having a happy New Year :)

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T14:00:00.007-05:00

{New York City a few years ago}

My New Year's resolution is to be happy :)

Bravo

2008-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:00

image from Time Warner Cable

I'm so excited we officially have Bravo here in North Carolina, the simple things make me happy :)

Paper Source Thank Yous

2008-12-30T17:02:00.004-05:00

When I received my Paper Source order for my Christmas card supplies they included a couple of their letterpress thank you cards :)

Benjamin Button

2008-12-29T03:17:00.010-05:00

image from moviefone.com

On Saturday we went to see the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was really touching, within the first five minutes of the movie it made me cry. It's definitely one of those movies that stays with you. Someday I would love to visit New Orleans :)