{trends} kraft paper

i'm kinda disappointed with myself for not checking out {pinterest} for gift packaging ideas earlier. but, i noticed a common trend - kraft paper! not only is it really cool and a huge roll can be used for many occasions but it's also eco-friendly and you can dress it up any way you want... with yarn, buttons and ribbon.  if you want to skimp on the tag completely, just stamp the name of the recipient on the front. 

don't you love that?

{sweet paul} {bugs & fishes} {eskimimi knits}

and if you really want to have a eco-friendly holiday..visit your local trader joe's where their holiday shopping bags can be reused as gift wrap and tags.  love!

{a creative mint}  {ink & post}

photo memories

{1}

 family is very important to me and one of my favorite things to do during christmas is look through old family photographs. the pictures are always the highlight of the night. we laugh at our embarrassing school pictures, dad's wardrobe in the 70s and reminisce on the good ol' days. well, for this year i'm going to do something a little different. i'm going to select a few new and old photos and display them in glass jars and scatter them on my table as a centerpiece.

{2} {3}

i also love these ideas from {sweet paul}. family photo wrapping paper, gift tags and personalized cupcakes are also great ideas for decorating during the holidays. 

{4} {5}

 what is your favorite thing to do during your holiday dinner?

{table} a very simple christmas

i know there are a few procrastinators out there that haven't even thought about decorating but have no fear i found this lovely holiday table on {hooray designs & lifestyle}. by incorporate your white table linens, napkins and candles from your everyday living and adding a few festive touches like simple ornaments, greenery and berries creates this gorgeous table.

wrapped caramels in mini white planter pots makes for adorable guest favors...

a $9 bouquet of hypericum berries went a long way in this tablescape and added just the right amount of color.

{photos by andrea dozier}

warm holiday cheer

after talking to my friend kate yesterday..{about how cold I am and how hot she is} made me remember that not everyone celebrates the holidays in the delightful {insert sarcasm here} bone chilling-almost have frostbite-needs to get realllly close to the heater to thaw out weather like I do. but to be perfectly honest i tend to associate the holidays with the cold weather and last nights conversation made me wonder.. how do people in the southern hemisphere get in the holiday spirit? 

ding! then i remembered seeing a gorgeous “christmas in july” photo shoot on one of my favorite blogs {the city cradle} and thought if i didn't have to worry about how low the wind chill factor was or whether or not we’ll be getting snow…this would be my kind of christmas.  

no snow...no problem! white water balloons easily replace the icy spheres 

peppermint pops doubles as a bouquet...

a yummy dessert tables filled with what else...christmas cookies, donuts and peppermint shooters

i love the glass ornaments filled with baby's breath

click {here} to see more of this amazing shoot.

happy cinco de mayo!

here are a few of my cinco de mayo faves!!

{engagement} tiffany + paul via {grey likes weddings}

{decor} fiesta via {design sponge}

{good eats} margarita popsicles via {food network}

hilary from {lovely & gracious} sent me this free printable for postcards and pretties readers. 

download the save the date {here}

{inspiration boards}

{#50} fiesta romantico                             {#85} fiery fiesta

{#54} cupid's kiss inspiration board

{season} valentine's day

{colors} blush pink, marble, white clouds

{description} valentine's day isn't complete without it's icon cupid..the god of love and beauty and his fairy tale story with the beautiful mortal pysche.

{photos} chair {polly wreford} wings {cox & cox} tiered wedding dress {j. crew} table setting {martha stewart weddings} butterfly sleeve dress {brides} bouquet {martha stewart weddings} cupid bow & arrow photo shoot {simply bloom via green wedding shoes} ribbon headband {brides} cupid's kiss {flickr} cupid postcard, marzipan cherries {martha stewart weddings} chandelier {dress, design & decor}

tiny valentines

loving all the tiny valentines around the web...here are a few of my favorite.

tiny love {maya made}

tiny valentine love notes {jack and jen}

minature valentine's day goodie bags {martha stewart}

world's smallest postal service {leafcutter designs}

{diy} valentine lyrics cards

yes!!! it's friday and i normally don't post multiples but i can't help myself today.

check out these clever and {free} valentine's day cards from hilary @ {lovely and gracious} that features popular song lyrics from taylor swift, jason mraz, lady gaga, black eye peas and jay sean.  

p.s. don't forget to check out her etsy shop.

{diy} valentine garland

i came across this sweet and {free} valentine's day garland from {whisker graphics}. wouldn't it look amazing with {my country valentine} inspiration board. 

{#48} my country valentine inspiration board

{season} valentine's day

{colors} vintage white, rose water, twine

{description}  this is my kind of valentine inspired wedding. it's both romantic and casual and i'm simply in love with twine.  i've kept the board pretty pale with the soft whites and cream with sweet rosey pink accents.

{photos} tiered wedding dress {j. crew} flower girl dresses {martha stewart weddings} twine wrapped invitations {kiss the groom} white tablescape {martha stewart weddings} twine wrapped menu {sunday suppers} twine wrapped utencils {napa style} rustic house {this lovely city} ivory, pink and twine, ribbon and buttons {cafe cartolina} heart sugar cubes {cox & cox} doily basket {country living} valentine macarons {tartelette} tea for two dress {sarah seven} pink stiched letters {martha stewart weddings} centerpiece {steve steinhardt}

{#45} retro valentine inspiration board

{season} valentine's day

{colors} cherry red, white and black

{description} i don't know what it is about cherry red that makes me think of retro. for today's board i wanted to be taken back in time. it has a bit of a pleasantville-feel with the volume turned up...way up!

{photos} cherries {faye and greer} red roses and calla lillies bouquet {studio diana via project wedding} sipping cola bride {style me pretty} wedding cake {brides} soda shop couple {megan w.} red shoes and socks {elizabeth messina} cherry favors {martha stewart weddings} red soda pop {style guide} tulle dress {martha stewart weddings} red luggage {unknown} mini cherry pies and carnation centerpiece {martha stewart weddings} cupcakes {morning of foley} retro red car {leo patrone} pillbox veil {unknown} heart purse {dress design and decor}