April 19th, 2014

Pastel Easter Floral Pails

One of my very ambitious friends–who also happens to be one of the most laid-back gals I know, is hosting Easter brunch for 40 or so people tomorrow, so, of course when she asked me if I could help with the flowers, it was the least I could do. Plus, to be honest considering how much I enjoy a “task” like this, it’s hardly a job.

As this is a family-friendly brunch with both kid (actually, kids way out-number adults, yikes and yet another reason my friend is both ambitious and brave) and adult tables.  The floral concept and palette needed to be alluring for young and old alike.

So when I saw these powder blue and salmon colored glossy pails at Target in the dollar section–

download-30I had a good start and direction to follow.  I hoped to find pretty flowers, whites, creams and greens in all textures to fill each small pail uniquely for a long, low, linear display down each of the tables.

So I headed to Pike’s Place–which is abundantly loaded with floral choices this time of year.

download-22I was immediately drawn to these creamy white daffodils with peachy centers, “a dozen of those please…”

download-29Then I had to have another dozen of these super cool green striped hybrid tulips.  Along with few cabbage tulips and my all time favorite, white peonies.  This sweet vendor totally hooked me up, because they work in cash here and as is usually the case, I was a little short of cash.  It’s all about karma isn’t it?  That and I will return to her stall now each time I’m back at the market.

download-28Added a few of these vibrantly green furry flowers from Whole Foods–all in I spent under $40 for all flowers and 10 buckets.

Once I got the haul home, started to ready the “floral workshop.”  I dropped small glasses into the pails to hold water and started the assembly-

download-27No two quite the same

download-26lambs ear from my garden softened some of the arrangements and seem to pair perfectly with an Easter motif

download-23and VOILA!  Loaded in the car and ready for delivery.  I’ll try to snap a few photos of the tables tomorrow.  Have you done your Easter flowers yet?  Well, hop to it!

Happy Easter everyone!

 

 

 

 

Categories: Friends, Fun
April 15th, 2014

Eclectic Easter Table

Half the fun of holidays is–decorating for them. And setting the table, for me, always a highlight.  These days I’m more drawn to an eclectic, i.e. less stuffy but more imaginative aesthetic.

download-14As the years go by, it gets easier and easier to just haul out the “Easter Box” and literally dump the contents down the middle of the table.  From fuzzy chicks, to decoupage vintage eggs, to soap shaped eggs that I prop up on whatever I find in my cabinets–this was a start, then I keep adding to the linear display.  Bowls of colorful jelly beans will soon appear as we inch toward the weekend.

download-13I lined a window sill with eggs in miniature copper cups (p.s. Is it bad that my children pretend they are drinking moscow mules out of these?)

download-12Then I tow the line between pattern and repetition, I LOVE these black and white striped $1.99 place mats from IKEA (which were originally purchased for the outside table, I want to go back for more!).  The place mats offer continuity to the mixed hand painted plates from Anthropology and assorted napkin linens.

download-11 Tulips are almost a must this time of year.  I love the contrasting colors, purple and orange.  I’m very much toying with the idea of splurging on some rose gold flat-ware.  Of course we don’t need it, and for that matter we aren’t even hosting a meal here, we are invited to other shin digs day of.  But let that not spoil a table setting and decorating opportunity!

download-15I mean…any chance to buy styrafoam eggs on a stick, who could pass that up?  Hope you’re enjoying all the preparations for Easter too.

P.S. Check back when I post on helping a friend with flowers for a gathering she is hosting for 27 kids and 24 adults (Wowza!) on an under $40 budget for 10 separate centerpieces–think cute, colorful and creative.

 

Categories: Fun, Furnishings
April 13th, 2014

Branching Out

Doesn’t spring practically force the concept of “branching out” upon us? I’ve taken it quite literally,

download-8as you can see.  And the wilder the better, (these are on week #2, bonus!) if you ask me.

download-7Cherry blossoms, forsythia, pussy willow, apple blossom, curly willow, you name it.–there are so many options and branches that are fun and simple to decorate with.

download-10What a great way to bring the outdoors in-

download-9and then back out again, if you so desire.

Check out some of these other cool ways to incorporate branches into your decor; discovered on Pinterest.  From spray painted, to utensil rack, to d.i.y. antler project, the sky is the limit.

51b5c74d74c5b65d65000b00._w.540_s.fit_kjerstis-33

1172b4ee94cc0a49268836e3e15829aa4b1e-149d646b14f5db36fe6e85cb0176d21b7Off to go branch out in all kinds of ways…and I hope you are too.  Happy Monday.

 

 

 

Categories: Fun, Furnishings
April 7th, 2014

Laguna Beach; Spring Break Part One

When the time comes to sun break, California is always calling.  From Seattle, it is fairly easy to wake up, hop on a plane and soon feel like you are in another (sunny) universe.  Laguna Beach, is a quintessential California beach town, loaded with laid back ease.  From the dramatic ocean side views-

20140329_075457to tangy fish tacos served up at Taco Loco,

Lag-TacoLocoto sun drenched fashions (a.k.a. Coachella garb sold at one of my favorite local boutiques, Lala), it fits the bill.

20140331_095126

20140401_161345This trip we enjoyed a special treat, staying at the Montage.

20140329_075832A super lovely seaside retreat, where the pool sucks you in,

20140329_112407to cannon ball as one pleases.

20140329_124843The enjoyment level borders on guilty as the friendly staff such as the “Nicks” pictured here, who happily

20140329_124909wait upon guests hand and foot.  Here a “stressful day” ends around the fireside, making s’mores, telling stories, or in our case, singing Frozen songs…

20140329_213319And as much as this resort and town do not need to be left, Disneyland is just down the street…

20140330_182826so may as well get a trip in while the kids are still in the zone to have it rock their worlds.

The next day we refuel ourselves back in the quaint town of Laguna at Orange Inn, where I try to abide

20140331_101737by self-imposed California rules to eat as many foods as possible that are wrapped in tortillas and accompanied by avocados.  Following sustenance, a visit to Crystal Cove State Park, otherwise known as a k.a. beach to explore tidal pools and take in that salty ocean air.

20140331_111333A final trip into town to check a few last local shops.

20140331_092901Surf culture reigns supreme-20140331_092912and we find ourselves completely stoked by the wares and more at Thalia Surf Shop.

20140331_094551Vans become cool, yet practical souvenirs to take/wear home. But we have Seattle kids, who also wanted to “pop some tags,” soooo,

download-6we couldn’t leave town without hitting this vintage Thrift Shop.  What can we say, we wanted to make Macklemore proud, so we picked up a nice raspberry colored Lacoste shirt for $5 bucks and used lots of restraint in considering weight requirements in checking bags for the eventual trip home.

20140329_075357And thus ends the trip to the beach.  Next stop…the desert.

Come back soon for Part 2; Palm Springs.

Categories: Family, Fashion, Food, Fun
April 5th, 2014

Hello Sunshine

Shortly after moving to Seattle, we received some shall I say, how-to-survive-the-rain wisdom. Simply put, “take lots of sun vacations.”

We try to follow said wisdom and just skidded home from a sun break.

Good ole Cali. is a pretty reliable sun supplier, so we made our way around So. Cal. for a week to visit the sun.  More detail soon (including stops, itineraries, dining, fashion, hotels, hot tips and more), but for now, sending some quick rays your way.

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download-3
3c4072677b81101687caeb702f79922ddownload-4download-1Good night sun, hope to see you again soon!

 

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