Oh Baby!

Sorry party people. I was on quite the post roll there - three in three days! But I've been spending that last few nights putting some things together for a baby shower for one of my besties this weekend! Her darling sisters are the ones actually in charge but I offered my help. We spent last week brainstorming and this week creating. We decided to use the theme "Tickled Pink" and found inspiration in the decor of the new nursery which is pink (surprise!) and brown polka dots.

sources:

chocolate mousse (Tracy Lau); cake (Butterfly Cakes); banner (Icing Designs); garlands (Martha Stewar)

peonies (Precious Moments Florals & Events);  

feather centerpieces (Add Style UK), nursery (Kids R Us - what the mama-to-be registered for), gift wrap (Elegant Labels)

The sisters are planning the menu and a couple signature cocktails/mocktails among other things. Just to prove that I actually have been busy - here's a sneak peek of what I'm working on: 

OK - blogger is rotating this and I'm not sure why. Tilt your head to the left to see the pic the way it was intended.

It will be interesting to see how all three of our portions come together. The short time and long distance may not make for a perfectly coordinated party - but hopefully we'll be close. What has your experience been with long distance celebration collaboration?

Wedding Weekend!

Two years ago, I had the most wonderful weekend with my friends, family and the love of my life. On June 7th 2008 (6/7/08!), I got married! I loved every minute of our wedding and every minute of planning it.

 

Engagement photo by Mark Kegans

We decided to get married in Sioux City, where most of both our families live. Admittedly, I was a little nervous about finding the perfect spot for our reception with the limited in the options in the area. But then, we found the Orpheum Theatre,. and I knew it would be the perfect place to celebrate with our loved ones. 

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The auditorium in the Orpheum (left). After viewing our photo montage video on the big screen, we had dinner on the stage. The grand foyer (right) where we held cocktail hour and then dancing.

The venue became my inspiration for planning a modern glamour themed wedding using pink, gold and ivory for the color palette. I created this inspiration board to guide me.

The only problem was that I did not have a modern glam budget! That meant a LOT of bargain shopping and DIY projects. I would love to do it all over again but for now, let's just re-live it! ;-)

The Year of Turquoise

You may have heard (because strangely enough, this made national news) that Turquoise was named as Pantone's color of the year 2010. After a year of such depressing news, people are looking for an escape; something that turquoise symbolizes. I mean, who couldn't use a beach vacation after surviving 2009? "Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing."

Obviously island fun comes to mind when you think of turquoise. Some fabulous turquoise jewelry is always a welcome addition. But this festive color can be so much more. What doesn't it go with? Black and white, pink, yellow, green, orange, silver, gold, brown and let's not forget that it's instrumental in the getting-to-the-point-of-passe peacock theme.
It doesn't do a bad job standing on it's own either:


Needless to say, 2010 is going to be a year of weddings, parties and home decor shows smeared with variations of the blue-green hue. I'm guessing I'll find use for it in a shower or two.

Photo credits: Plate on doily-At Home with Kim Vallee; Peacock Invitations - lovetoprintweddings; candle centerpieces - marthastewart.com; frame print - sycamore street press; cupcakes - belisacupcakes; headband - Plume and Bloom; Roses and turquoise - Turquoise Decor; menu - lisa3.7dean; chandelier-nay-k; dress by Lela Rose - renttherunway.com