{Inspiration} Thanksgiving

Ahhh....Thanksgiving. I look forward to this holiday all year long. Fall, food, family, football, fun -- what's not to love? Here are some of my favorite inspiration pictures I've collected over the past few months.

Pumpkin mousse parfaits via The TomKat Studio.


Beautiful tablescape. I LOVE the pops of green using Granny Smith apples via Anders Ruff.


Vintage drink station via Anders Ruff -- I die.


Caramel pears via Fresh. I'm going to attempt to make these for my own Thanksgiving dessert spread. We'll see if they turn out!


Another simple yet stunning tablescape using white pumpkins. I love the natural feel to this table -- very beautiful. Pic via Martha Stewart {of course ;-}


No matter how tired or busy or overwhelmed I feel sometimes, I am beyond GRATEFUL for the gifts God has blessed me with. My family -- all healthy, all safe. A supportive, loving husband and the greatest blessing of my life, my son. My Christian faith. A warm, cozy home to go home to every day and food to put on the table for my family. A great job. This country where I am free to dress the way I please, practice whatever religion I want, marry whomever I like, get an education, vote, etc, etc, etc. GRATEFUL is a gross understatement.

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**For more Turkey Day inspiration, take a look at my Give Thanks board on Pinterest.
**I'm working on my own tablescape tonight -- wish me luck as I am totally winging it! Still not sure what I'm doing -- just gonna go with it ;-}

{Inspiration} Fall Happy Hour

Good Morning! Now that the invites have been delivered, I have been thinking more about my neighborhood happy hour, and have started collecting some inspiration pictures. I want to keep it simple yet festive for this time of year.

Let me start with my favorite -- the three tiered galvanized tray from PB has been on my "To Buy" list for the longest time. It's a little pricey for me, so I've been keeping an eye out at my favorite stores for PB knockoffs and....no luck. Hmmm....I might buckle and buy an early Christmas present for myself....

Aren't the fall treats adorable? Love the simplicity -- apples, popcorn and Halloween candy.


Monogrammed pumpkins -- cute!


Caramal apple taffies are the epitome of fall and one of my favorite treats at this time of year. The cutest thing about these? The striped straws used as sticks -- LOVE it and will be trying this at some point this fall.


Last but not least, the sweet mason jars filled with candy corn and candles. I did this a few years ago in a big vase and used it as a centerpiece for my table. I might just have to try something like this again!

**All pics via Pinterest

{Inspiration} Wall Art

One of my summer projects was to create a gallery wall in my upstairs hallway. It was one of the many projects I never got around to finishing....

Life got going and one of the best summers ever flew by in what seemed like a millisecond....and well....it just didn't get done. Although not finished, it did get started....and I do plan on finishing it....sooner rather than later.

Here's some inspiration to get my creative juices, and perhaps yours, flowing...


I'm going for somewhat of an eclectic look -- frames of different color, size, orientation, etc. And maybe some other unique findings....


A few black & white pics are a must....


....and a monogram or two will definitely make an appearance.


An open frame might look pretty here or there too....

Ideas, ideas, Ideas!

**All pics via Pinterest

{Inspiration} Travelin'

Happy Monday -- here's hoping for a quick and painless week!

Inspired on a daily basis by all the fabulous parties out there in the blogosphere, one theme has left me completely smitten. I wish I had an excuse to throw a "travel" themed party -- I have so many ideas swirling through my head on this one! The above travel themed children's party table was created by paper & CAKE.

I love the suitcases and globe -- adorable and appropriate party props.


How about these "world" cake pops?! And arranged in a suitcase...perfect.


LOVE this one from Green Wedding Shoes -- a color palette of deep persimmon, postcards, travel brochures and mini suitcases add to the originality of this elegant wedding.


How about some framed maps like the ones above from Belle Maison to add to your party decor? Cute, huh?!

If I had a high school graduate in my life {and I'm very thankful that I don't just yet!}, I'd love to plan a graduation party with a lot of these same details. Don't graduates have the "World at their Fingertips?" I think I could make it work ;-}

Or how about a party with this theme for the geography teacher in your life? Or the friend or loved one traveling abroad? Or a retiree -- aren't they supposed to spend their days of freedom traveling the world and seeing all the sights they never saw because they were too young, too broke, or had young children?

For some more inspiration and ideas for this unique party theme, visit my World Traveler pinboard on Pinterest!

{Inspiration} Soft Gold & Blush Pink

Color palettes are such a great source of inspiration to me, and this is one color combo I'm crushing on right now -- soft gold & blush pink. I'm thinking it would be a perfect combo for a NYE party ;-} And that's the last thing you'll hear me say about NYE until at least the fall -- I'm focusing all my energies on trying to soak up what's left of the fastest summer ever!

**Image via CAKE {You must check out this blog. Becca {of the old Birthday Girl} re-branded and just debuted her new site -- it's FABULOUS & oh-so-pretty!}

{Inspiration} Rainbowy Goodness

This picture makes me smile :-} Isn't it adorable? The bright, cheery colors caught my attention immediately. That and the fact that I adore mini or individualized desserts of any sort.

It would be the perfect compliment to a little artist's party, rainbow party, candyland party, and more!

**You can find the recipe and more pics at The Family Kitchen.
**Check out my Rainbowy Fun board on Pinterest for more rainbow inspiration!

{Inspiration} Yarn Wreaths - L.O.V.E

I love all of the adorable yarn wreaths that I have been seeing everywhere. And last week while in Joann's on a hunt for fabric, some yarn jumped out at me. On a whim, I bought it. I'm going to attempt to make one of these myself -- "attempt" being the key word here.

The flower on the above wreath is a little too complex for this rookie ;-}


This is more my speed -- I'd like to try these more simple flowers made from felt.


Or maybe these fabric rosettes -- have been in love with these for a long time.

------------ All pics via Pinterest ------------

**Have you been on Pinterest yet? Oh my, oh my, oh my!!! You must explore!
**I just received my invitation to join last night, so I'll be creating some of my own boards soon, and it will finally give me the opportunity to organize all of the hundreds of inspiration pics I save to my hard drive {oopsie} and get them assembled in some sort of organized fashion!

{Inspiration} Studio Craft Space

How nice would it be to have a space like this?! I would definitely put it to good use ;-}

----- Photo via Family Circle -----

TGIF!

{Inspiration} Kitchen Workstations

I've got kitchens on my mind as my husband is prepping to begin our new floor next weekend. Once the floor is done, I'd LOVE to move right into the workstation area {major convincing still needs to take place here}. Here's my inspiration:


Practical message center/desk combo...


Loving the unexpected yet pretty pop of color here...


Admiring the traditional look of this painted workstation...the solid color used on this piece ties into the remaining cabinets and gives a streamlined look to the entire space {notice the collection of bell jars on the top, left shelf -- so sweet}.


So cute...


Contemporary Mod look with the granite, stainless steel, and sleek cabinetry...


Great use of space here...tiny yet beautiful!


Love this simple "Cooks Nook" with a twist of vintage...

All images via Better Homes & Gardens

**TTTTGGGGIIIIIFFFF!
**Happy Mother's Day!!

{Inspiration} Vegas GLAM

Here's the stunning Vegas wedding I've spoken of for the last few weeks. A little background information for you :: the bride and groom married very young and the bride's mother planned the entire wedding from start to finish. It was a lovely wedding, but not really their "own." So, once the bride became a hip wedding photographer {aka Kristin Spencer Photography -- HUGE fan over here -- amazing work!}, she and her husband decided to say their vows again -- this time Vegas Style. They planned a glamorous wedding at the Bellagio to coincide with their 5th anniversary. So fun! Check out some of the FAB details below...


Can we just stop for a moment please and feast our eyes on those SHOES! I picture Carrie Bradshaw here -- "Hello Lova!" Christian Louboutin -- need I say more?

And the table setting -- I've died and gone to heaven. The colors, the rectangular tablescape, the LAMPS {loving that}, the lush flowers, the buttons {yes, I said buttons. Can you see them? Better shot below}. TO-DIE-FOR!

And how about that antique convertible cady?! Bet that made for a great photo opt driving down The Strip!


Fun glasses! And again, those shoes! Check out her hubby's shoes too!


Can you imagine this scene as the backdrop for your wedding? Me neither. So amazing!


I love the "V" that the lacey straps of her dress make. Not to mention the birdcage she's wearing!


I think I'd like to hop in on this party scene -- I wouldn't mind rockin' a pair of those shades. And enjoying a glass of wine while dancing under a starry lit sky on a veranda overlooking the finest sites that Vegas has to offer. Ahhhh....


Details -- aren't these out-of-town bags {suitcases} adorable?


And I love the vintage rings she gave as favors -- so fitting!

**Hope you enjoyed!

**Did I mention that I have especially been enthrawed with this wedding b/c if I can bare to leave my baby boy for a few days, I may meet my husband in Vegas for a little mini getaway this fall? He'll be there already for a big sales meeting. Hmmmmm...decisions. The thought of leaving my little man is a lot overwhelming at this point. TBD...

{Inspiration} Pretty Easter Eggs

Some cute Easter egg inspiration for you from Better Homes and Gardens. I'm going to attempt to make some of these to take to my mom's house for Easter dinner. We'll see how they turn out!


LOVE these -- made using wax -- I might attempt. Ahhh -- what am I getting myself into?!


Plan B -- these look a little easier, so if the wax is a fail, I'll go the toothpick and stencil paint route.


Plan C -- stickers.


Plan D -- tape.

Maybe a little sampling of each of the above? If time was my friend maybe...


Would be really adorable as a centerpiece or dessert buffet / food station decor.

{LOVE} Rectangular Tablescapes

The more and more I see long, rectangular tables used for seating for parties and weddings, the more and more I love the look of them. The entire length of the table becomes a rich, beautiful display!


My wedding venue, Cescaphe Ballroom, offered any guest seating plan you could imagine when I planned my wedding {square, round, oval, clusters, rectangular}. My husband and I were torn between the more popular and classic round/oval tables and the less popular, going-out-on-a-limb, rectangular tables. I went with classic. Hmmmm...had I been planning my wedding in 2011, I'm thinking I might have chosen the rectangular!


Vegas Glam wedding I will posting about next week.


Pretty in Punk wedding inspiration. AND if you click on the link, you must take a peek at the graffiti wall the guests helped make -- LOVE!


Feather Their Nest couples baby shower -- turquoise and pinks = one of my favorite color combos.


Oh How Tweet baby shower -- beautiful!


B is for Baby shower -- gorgeous springy inspiration!


Cute kiddie bowling party.


I posted this picture before -- cute pom runner on a rectangular table from a baby shower photographed by Adeline & Grace Photography.

Happy, happy weekend to you and yours!