Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving is not for a couple of weeks, but I can't resist posting this article. On a recent antique-store outing I picked up a beautiful set of floral napkins. Immediately I began thinking about using them for Thanksgiving. They have great autumn colors that would blend well with pumpkins and rustic details.

When looking at the colors in the napkins, I was drawn to the orange flowers. I thought it would be nice to draw out this color by making the name cards out of miniature pumpkins and using orange alstromeria flowers for the centerpiece.

Other details that complete the look are the neutral, striped table cloth, the vintage salt & pepper shakers, and the green and white salad plates.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with family, friends, and fun!

Vintage Postcards

One of my favorite ways to spend a weekend afternoon is to go antique hunting. I couldn't help but smile when I saw these happy images.

These are a few of the treasures that I picked up yesterday. I am thinking about mounting them in brightly enameled frames perhaps in an emerald green color. My office area is looking a little bare, and these gems would quickly spruce up the walls.

Fantasy Life: Boutique Owner

This might sound a bit crazy, but when teaching becomes a little too hard to deal with, I retreat to my fantasy world where I own the cutest boutique ever. Lately, I've been spending A LOT of time in this dream world. Work has been completely overwhelming. So, instead of crying today, I decided to take my fantasy out into the real world and look for possible shop sites. What fun!

It's always been my dream to own and run a business. Perhaps I will find a way to finance this goal someday. I know exactly what I would have in this shop/creative outlet for customers (more on this later). In the meantime, I will just enjoy my creative escape.

Inspired Monday: Geode Jewelry

I've always loved geodes. I can remember buying these rocks at gift stores when I was a kid on our family vacations and breaking them open with my brothers. It was amazing to see all of the beautiful gems hidden behind rather ugly rocks.

I created this treasury of geode inspired jewelry. These pieces are a perfect way to bring a subtle, glamorous look to your outfit.

'Earthly Treasures' by MetalBotany

This is a collection of glittery geode jewelry.

Citrine Geode Druzy Pendant ... elizabethlydon... $35.00	Amethyst Druzy Slice Pendant... coeurdepierres $49.00	Green Banded Agate Slice Rin... elizabethlydon... $14.00
Aqua Blue Dipped Agate Cryst... AstralEYE $34.00	Amethyst Geode Ring - 'T... MyRingObsessio... $49.00	sacred agate chainchainchai... $34.00
Agate Necklace Geode Necklac... alterdesigns $42.00	Luxe Agate Drusy Necklace JSWMetalWorks $65.00	Gold and Purple Druzy Drusy ... 443Jewelry $50.00
Mint Druzy Ring (v2) BrooklynThread $34.00	Natural Crystal Druzy Geode ... treasure4ever $17.00	Strata Necklace--Amethyst Dr... girltuesdayjew... $73.00
SALE --- Genuine Purple Amet... GerrysJewelBox $18.00	Amethyst druzy natural rock ... ppbvth $41.00	Geode agate slice with druzy... BrookeJewelry $39.00
Gold Edged Natural Slate Gra... PrishaJewels $90.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Inspired Monday: Coral

Today I created a treasury list of things that have a coral tone to them. I love the color of peach. It instantly reminds me of my Uncle Bean's peach shakes that he used to make when we were kids. I'm transported back to my youth and can almost taste the wonderful treats (ie creamsicles, peach ice cream) of summer.

'Everything's Just Peachy' by MetalBotany

This is a collection of items that have a peach or coral tone.

1950's Vintage Kimono Fl... kaleidoscopeby... $60.00	melissa treeandkimball $18.00	New Style-Handmade satin flo... JujaCrafts $6.99
Summer Coral 11x14 flycharlie $24.00	Coral Red Circle Lace Coin P... humoresque $19.95	Viola in Soft Coral red SimplyChacha $18.00
Amigurumi 8 ChitySoyYo $350.00	Bermuda Pink Coral Chip Bar ... SoapSudAlley $18.99	Coral Magic - Dahlia Ring hydrangeablush $12.00
Shelly Necklace MEJCollection $45.00	Pleated Clutch in Coral and ... BrighterDay $28.00	Autumn Flowers - Vintage Dee... chloesvintagej... $17.00
Coral Flower Kiss Earrings AkulaHopeDesig... $7.00	Seahorse in Coral LARGE 13 x... amberalexander $40.00	Large Transparent Coral Popp... tanyamcguire $8.00
High Quality Hand Woven Pure... Turkishtowel $31.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Inspired Monday: Baby Shower

I can't hide my excitement about being an aunt! What a cutie!

When I was planning my sister-in-law's baby shower, I turned to Martha Stewart for inspiration. These are some of the great ideas I borrowed from her site:

 In order to pick a theme, I always like to start with something that has color and pattern. For this shower, it was actually the invitations that helped kick-start the planning. The inside of the invitation is from Martha Stewart and it helped me design the outside of the card.

 After choosing the invites, I used the colors to plan the decor. I made the tissue paper flowers and hung them from the patio and tent. The napkins were wrapped with paper doilies and pink ribbons. Each guest brought a baby picture of themself for a baby game. My very talented cousin, Sammy, made the delicious cupcakes and cookies. You can see where I got the inspiration from Martha Stewart's daisy cupcakes above. The tables were decorated with striped runners and coordinating flowers. I wrote each of the guests names on the pink felt leaves and they also served as favors.