You guys know I’m into organizing nearly as much as I am into coordinating parties– and I loved these cute ideas for sorting all of your different sprinkles. If you are anything like me, some days they seem like they are taking over your cabinets!
Which got me thinking of all of the fun things to do with sprinkles– some edible and some decorative— but all fun!
In a vase/egg fun/ice cream covering/colorful popcorn/shoes {!}/cake cover {and a how-to here!}
To stay true to this blogs theme of celebrating events large and small, and to events that I am planning in my life, I want to show you some of the details of my grandmother’s services last week. I don’t mean for this to be sad, but to share some things that I was able to do to honor my grandmother, and to support my family during this difficult time by putting my event planning skills to use.
My mom asked everyone to gather photos of my grandmother, so we ended up with a wonderful selection, despite my grandmother’s best attempt to stay out of them for the past 40 years or so. I bought 2 large frames at Michael’s and hinged them together to create a screen to serve as her memory board. As you can see from the picture above, the effect was much more organized than a photo collage. I was able to tell the story of my grandmother in a beautiful, dignified way. Also, taking note from numerous movies, we were able to take a photo from my wedding {one of the few high resolution images we had}, crop it, and blow it up. The effect was amazing– and brought me to tears immediately upon seeing it.
My stepdad is a wonderful orator and gave a eulogy that was both funny and touching, sharing stories and remembrances. He also put together these personal cards which summed up my grandmother in all aspects of her life.
My parents hosted lunch at a golf club nearby {with printed directions, naturally} that offered guests the opportunity to share their own stories and memories. The idea was for guests to share publicly, but in the end, most of us shared at our tables, and it felt just right. We also gave a “toast” of sorts, using my grandma’s favorite little debbie cakes, with many guests wearing the badges out.
It turned out beautifully, and I was happy to contribute to the day by organizing and adding thoughtful touches I knew my grandmother would like, from using navy and beige {her favorite colors} to her favorite food. We celebrated her life and I hope we made her proud.
You may or may not know that my day job is in education. For the past 5+ years I’ve worked for and partnered with public schools in the US and now abroad — and I have met some of the most passionate, smart, amazing people working hard to make change. So this vintage wedding in a schoolhouse speaks to me– and to all of those awesome Ed people I have the pleasure of knowing.
Diane + Jason, with their guest list being as small and intimate as a classroom size of 30, the schoolhouse was the perfect wedding venue for them. I love all of their personal touches and details to make this room their own. {via 100 Layer Cake}
Last week was a little killer for me at work so I didn’t have tons of time to craft for our BBQ this weekend. I chose a couple of high impact projects to focus my limited time. Washi tape, some paper projects, and a theme appropriate update to my votives from last week.
Washi tape around the base of paper cups, and matching straws (colors separated from the mixed pack at IKEA} will make those scattered trash look nicer.
These paper products might have been my favorite. I picked up a couple of sheets at the department store to make the cones for the chips — and something else {I just didn’t know what yet}. I wanted to add a checked cloth to make it more “picnic,” so I wove strips of paper {girl scout style} to make a placemat/runner for the table. I liked the jagged ends, so I cut them like a ribbon to dress it up a bit. 
Since the BBQ was during the day, we didn’t need any extra candles or light. I wanted to add some daisies for the picnic theme, so I used our glasses with black rice to be modern mini-vases for single white mums. 
It added just the right amount of fun to our gathering, and didn’t take up too much time to accomplish. Win win!
Even though I live on the outside of the world and no longer anywhere near the South, my idea of grilling out includes burgers, baked beans and iced tea. It was a gorgeous day, sunny if a bit chilly, so we took advantage and indulged our roots.
Naturally, we started with some drinks– Arnold Palmers. A little iced tea, and a little lemonade, and a little vodka, if you like.
Since we had some young guests coming, I got some colored chalk to use on our stone tile terrace to keep them entertained.
Then, of course, the food! Hamburgers, my mom’s famous baked beans, layer salad, potato chips and brownies. What else could you ask for in a southern BBQ?! 
Our plates–
Beans were still to come {don’t worry, Mom!}. Is was great fun, then we cuddled up and watched some Oscar movies. A great Saturday. xoxo
This weekend we had my Hong Kong BF over for dinner. She checked out my place the day I moved in— my things were still in bags (!)– so I wanted to treat her to a better experience.
We thought we would expand our entertainment area by using our entire terrace, so I added a bit comfort and color to make it more inviting.
We mixed up some cocktails {hibiscus tea, vodka and soda water with a little bit of ice} …
Then enjoyed them in the lounge area. 
For dinner, we moved to the dining area…
I arranged the flowers to match the napkins, and created the candle votives to give more light{more on this tomorrow!}.
For dinner my awesome hubby made prawn and avocado salad with lemon dressing, moroccan lamb with couscous {a warm dish, since there is still a chill in the air!} and s’mores for dessert. 
All and all, a great night!
You guys know I am a total summer girl. I’d wear tank tops year round if the seasons allowed it…but I have to admit that fall is doing it’s best to make me fall in love. The boots, the perfect sunny weather, and you know what? The best things always happen to me in the fall. Let’s hope this year keeps up the trend.
Some things I’m {starting} to love this fall…
Vegan chocolate pots. Eat hot or cold.
Foxes are everywhere.
I love this not too serious take on fall colors.
Apple drinks. Of course.
At an event we are {hopefully} surrounded by friendly and loved ones. With all of those greetings of hugs or talking close, its nice to smell good. Even better when you know that scent reflects you– or at least for that moment.
I have a pretty sensitive sense of smell {I annoy my husband and work mates} so it takes me awhile to pick out a scent. I have to try it on a couple of times and then smell it hours later. Depending on the weather, they can even smell different to me, sometimes good, sometimes not quite right. So I’ve developed a couple of perfumes over many years that work for me, depending on response and style that day.
Every Day/Sweet/Complicated/Clean
P.S. I also have a sexy scent and a travel scent…but I’ll leave that for next time.
Do you watch Portlandia? I’ve only watch a few episodes, but I laugh hysterical through them. They have a skit about the popularity of the hipster use of birds called “Put A Bird On It.”
Well, Whales are the new birds. Expect to see these gentle giants everywhere.
Top row: Whales at a party: card/tray/mobile/straw/salad tongs
Bottom row: Whales at home: tissue box/book ends/pillow/box/vase
Even though we are in September, it’s not quite fall {we have another week!} — so I am going to enjoy the bright colors while I can!
I put together this casual look for a dinner party, as a way to bring the outdoors in. This time of year often brings a few showers, so here’s a way to enjoy the flowers from the comfort of your own home.
The runner is wrapping paper that I picked up from Target, most likely from their $1 section {one of my favorite places to shop}. I used the striped gold paper and cups to play with the pattern and add some sophistication. The tea towel napkin and tea tin votives ensure that the look stays casual and doesn’t get too fussy, while the colored vases make the flowers pop. I painted a few of the petals gold to add some sparkle to the centerpieces.
This look is simple and fun— easy to put together with items you already have around your house. Enjoy your last days of summer!
