"Memory Keeper" custom boxes by Paper Coterie

Okay, I landed on this great site yesterday and it was definitely one of those holy crap! moments. I don't know about you super organized ladies (the one or two who live in organized bliss) but if you are like me and have last year's school memorabilia shoved into a plastic bag poised on the kitchen table waiting to arrive at its final destination in the old set of dresser drawers in the basement, then this might be a good link visit.

Paper Coterie is a website that sells products you can customize with your photos. Now, this is not like the photo kiosk at the pharmacy where you put the photo of your kid and dad on a mug. This is a well designed and useful product line. What really impressed me were these "Memory Keeper" boxes. I think it's so simple, even I can keep up with it. How cute (and organized) would it be to put the photo of your child on the front from that school year and put the gems of childhood within. Then it can sit nicely on a shelf for when they have their own kids and you can be the grandma who says, " and this is the picture of an RV being attacked by aliens that your dad drew when he was in first grade."

And how about a box for a newly married couple? What a great way to save the cards, dried flowers, and other 3-dimensional mementos.

And as a new baby gift? Again, what are you going to do with the little knitted cap they give you, and the hospital bracelet that you can't possibly part with? This box would be perfect for that!

All I can say is "Yeah!" and place my order. How are you keeping up with all your "stuff"?

Flower masterpiece

DAng! Can you believe how gorgeous this bouquet is? I tell you, if I had all these flowers and leaves in front of me and was given the task of making something beautiful, I'm fairly certain mine would look like something the cat puked up (sorry if it's a little early in the morning for that graphic visual reference). Take a LONG look and note the soft and crisp textures, the full palette of colors working harmoniously together, that beautiful ribbon that neither detracts or distracts, but speaks quietly to the bouquet. I bow down to the creator....who happens to be Sarah Winward, the talent behind Honey of a Thousand Flowers. I found this image on Pinterest, but it's from one of my favorite wedding blogs Ruffled. You can see some of my other favorite floral bouquets here.

Source: ruffledblog.com via Margot on Pinterest

I get to meet a special friend!

Do you get shy when it comes to meeting people you admire? I used to, but with my new 40-year-old-I-don't-give-a-damn-what-people-say attitude, I'm determined to live life to the fullest. This includes making efforts to contact and meet people who I find inspiring, even if I think they will be "too big or important" to want to meet me. Life is too short to not reach out and at least try!

This week I was able to meet Holly Becker. I have mentioned Holly before (like I said, I admire her!) on the blog because I took her most excellent class "Blogging Your Way" last year. Let me shamelessly plug that class for a second to say that it changed my life. Or at least it changed my blogging life. The on-line class was very helpful in giving me specific advice on finding my own voice, presenting myself on-line in a way that reflects my style, and gave me tons of ideas to help me make more of my blog. Any time I get a little anxious about what I should do next, I peruse my notes from the class and get a great idea. Even better, and this is so "Holly", she set up a Yahoo group of Blogging Your Way graduates that continues the supportive and friendly community established through the class. Members can ask anything from how to put a widget on their blog to where they should go to dinner. It's great.

Holly is the founder of the massively successful blog Decor8, a compendium of interior decorating ideas, products to love, people to watch and more. This year, Holly's book Decorate was published and distributed by Chronicle Books. It's sold at Anthropologie stores nation and world-wide. I admit to getting the book later than most of Holly's fans and I attribute this to my not getting out much (hello 3 kids in summer) but when I heard that she would be presenting at the Chicago Anthropologie store and signing books after, then I delayed no longer! I bought it and was really impressed. My daughter and I absorbed every page of the book on my front porch.

Other than looking at the beautifully photographed interiors, one of my favorite parts of the book is how Holly breaks down some interior decorating styles. Now, some of you lucky people may already know what your style is and how to do it, but I personally struggle with this all the time. After looking at the style personalities, I realized that I'm a "Colorful" girl with hopes of having enough confidence to one day try the "Floral" style (if my husband will consent). Here are some exerpts of the book:

What was it like to meet one of my on-line mentors? It was everything I'd hoped it would be! Holly is a warm and genuine woman with an open heart and bold spirit. She is smart as well as creative and I enjoyed hearing her talk about pushing through the publishers when they had strong suggestions about what her readers would want to see (as if they would know more than she!). This is a rare quality for someone so young, and I was uplifted to hear it. And what about her being "too big and important"? Ridiculous. We, and a bevy of amazing blogging women (plus my sweet brother who was visiting as well), went to have drinks after the book signing and it was just like, well, having drinks with friends! Lovely, and completely worth the trip. I will say that while the book is full of wonderful photos and ideas, this part is really my favorite. :o)

Soft fall colors: Persimmon and light aqua

When I was perusing Pinterest this morning, I noticed that I'd been subconsciously collecting photos for a color inspiration board with persimmon and light aqua. I've always thought using blues and oranges were great options for fall themed events. Not that there is nothing wrong with eggplant, chocolate brown and dark red! But I like to push those boundaries and see what else feels like fall, but is feels a little more surprising.

Here are a few gorgeous photos of this particular color scheme in action. If you want to see more, you can look at my inspiration board on Pinterest here. It was difficult to choose which photo got in the collage, but you know I don't have all day to do this stuff! (Even though I wish I did!)

1. Isn't that boutonniere stunning?? The photo and the color scheme chips on Creature Comforts Blog.
2. A beautifully decorated window box set via Noel Mignon
3. Painted plates from Anthropologie
4. Yarn that makes me wish I could knit by Vintage Rose Garden via Tumblr

Summer Beet Salad

I made this salad Sunday for our family dinner. I love a colorful salad and this one is like, technicolor! Beets are gorgeous, and set on a bed of beautiful bib lettuce from my farmers market I thought this was just as pretty as a picture. So I took a picture! And now my neighbors think I'm crazy because the best light happened to be in the front of my house. These are the sacrifices I make for my art!

The recipe is so simple. I beg you, even if you think you dislike beets, to give this a try. My kids even love it.

Summer beet salad recipe:
about 1-2 pounds same sized fresh beets, leaves and stems trimmed, scrubbed, with the skins on
2 oz Chevre with herbs
5 or 6 fresh basil leaves
bib lettuce

Boil the beets (with the skins still on) in a pot of water. The beets are done when they can be gently pierced with a knife or fork (about 30 minutes for larger beets). Pour out the boiling water and put the pot of beets under running cold water. When they are warm enough to handle, you can skin them by rubbing your thumbs over the loosened skin. It comes right off and is way easier than peeling with a knife!

While still warm, cut beets into quarters (or smaller, depending on their original size) and toss together with the Chevre. The cheese will melt and coat the beets. Arrange the lettuce on a platter and spoon the beets on top. Snip the fresh basil on top to finish. Delish!

Free to a good home! Graphics, clip art and more!

One of the best things about being connected to the internet is that there are so many more resources for your designery inspiration. Artists not only share by documenting their work with photos for inspiration, they even share their illustrations or backgrounds or patterns for you to use on your own art. I love the good will and generosity, plus it expands even further what anyone can create. I use Illustrator as my main design program, but you can import images into your Word program and get a creative invitation, notecard or greeting card with very little effort. Always, always read the copyright carefully. Designers are often quite liberal with usage but you don't want to be the reason this wave of generosity stops! I've done a few freebies myself and I keep them reserved for you on this page of my blog.

Here are some blogs and websites I have discovered that might be of interest to you.
Digital Freebies gives away a set of pattered digital "papers" every Friday. You could incorporate the backgrounds into an invitation or card.

Here is a beautifully drawn lace pattern from Sherry K. Designs. I was a little disappointed to find that I couldn't use this in my commercial work (invitations designed for you!) because I've been wanting a clean lace pattern. They are difficult to find and I'm not crazy enough yet to create one or digitally clean some clip art up. She also has a great paisley design.

These digital textures and wallpapers from Lost and Taken make great backgrounds for printed tags or even on blogs. Can you believe these people give this stuff away??

This website called Vintage Printable has a wonderful assortment of scanned vintage artwork, although as of yesterday I wasn't able to download them. I think I was having my own problem, though. Give it a try yourself. Isn't this peony gorgous? I wish I could use it on a fall wedding because of that rich red color but I have a problem mixing unseasonal flowers into my designs. It just goes against nature. ;o)

Another one of my favorite websites for creative juice and fun craft projects is called Just Something I Made with designer Cathe Holden. These ornate medallions would look great in a formal invitation setting. Think about putting your monogram inside with a date for a wedding logo that can be utilized in your favors, programs etc.

If that's not enough for you, there is a ridiculously huge list of free printables here. Now that you've got some inspiration, whatcha gonna do? Let me know if you use any of these sites.

Back to school: Breakfast Pockets

I've got a child who would eat a Nutella and white bread sandwich 4 times a day and I have another child who craves protein. Go figure!

Karen from the I-Do Boutique shared this recipe with me last year and every once in a while, when I'm feeling especially free on a Sunday, I make a big batch and freeze them. They are mildly fiddly but worth the effort when you make a big batch. Nuke one and you have a breakfast that can be grabbed as the kids are running for the bus.

Here is the basic recipe.
10 eggs + dash of milk, mixed for scrambled eggs *Reserve about 1/2 cup for later use
cooked breakfast meat (1/2 pack of bacon cut and fried into bits, or half a "log" of breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled)
2 cans of large sized biscuits
1/2 Cup shredded cheese
Salt and pepper
flour, to assist in rolling biscuits

Scramble the eggs, leaving them slightly runny. Turn off the heat, add seasonings and mix in the meat and cheese. While the eggs are cooking, flour a tabletop surface. Using a rolling pin, press out the biscuit until it's about twice the size (about 6 inches). Repeat with the remaining biscuits and stack them on a plate with flour between the layers to keep them from sticking together.

Place a flattened biscuit on a plate and fill with about 1/4 cup of egg mixture. This works best if you put the eggs on one half of the biscuit, leaving at least 1/2" edge. Using a pastry brush or your finger, smear on a bit of reserved egg mixture around the egg side edge of the biscuit. Fold over the empty side and press closed with a fork. Set on a cookie tray and finish the other biscuits this way. If you want a nice golden pastry look to the pockets, brush the egg mixture on the tops before cooking.

Bake according to biscuit instructions, 350 deg. F for about 17 minutes. Once cooled, place in a freezer bag and freeze. Reheat in a microwave for about a minute. I had one this morning and it was yummers!

Calling a wedding off? Yikes!

Wow! This honest post from A Practical Wedding blog about calling off a wedding really had me engaged (okay, bad choice of words). I was so touched that Tyler and Kathryn decided to be honest with each other before the wedding, no matter how difficult that conversation must have been. I am even more impressed that they decided to stay together and work on the issues that created so much stress in their lives and develop another kind of relationship that may or may not lead to marriage. Amazing and brave, brave people. In this era where divorce is a reality more than 50% of the time, this offers some tonic to that bitter end. I think that whatever road you're on, it's the right one when you are being honest.

Bridesmaids save wedding day disasters with an emergency wedding kit

There is so much to remember on the wedding day. Even the most prepared and organized brides can't think of everything. I had a bridesmaid who had hypoglycemia and the poor girl had to nibble a raw mushroom to stave off an attack. We were getting married at our farm and it was that, or tap into my mom's gallon jug of wine she had in her car. I'll explain further that the farm is in a dry county and she thought she'd better be prepared for that. Here is a great visual chart of some "must haves" for your wedding from Swatchbook Wedding.

Source: swatchbookweddings.com via Elaine on Pinterest

The I-Do Boutique also offers a great emergency wedding kit online that comes in a cute toiletries bag. It makes for a helpful "day of" gift and can carry on into the honeymoon too, yes? Just remember to add raw mushrooms and wine to it and you're all set! ;o)

Wrapping up the week with gift wrapping ideas

After all that talk in the last post about NOT giving gifts, I couldn't help but think about gifts. Specifically, pretty ideas to wrap gifts. Here are some lovelies I've collected on Pinterest. After seeing all these beauties, I was so tempted to drop everything this morning and play around with some gift wrapping on my own, but I've got client work to do today so they get first dibs on my creative brain. *sigh* Maybe next week....

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Margot on Pinterest

Source: jordanferney.blogspot.com via Margot on Pinterest

Source: frydogdesign.blogspot.com via Margot on Pinterest

Source: prettypetals.typepad.com via Margot on Pinterest

Source: beeperbebe.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Nat?lija on Pinterest

Source: margotmadison.blogspot.com via Margot on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Margot on Pinterest

Source: inspirationoooooahhhhh.tumblr.com via Margot on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Margot on Pinterest

How do you request "no gifts" at your party?

Having a party and you don't want your guests to bring gifts? People ask me often how to word this on their invitation so I thought I'd compile a few ideas for you. Keep in mind that some people will bring gifts anyway, and they should be received with gratitude and grace, of course! Remember to put those gifts out of plain sight so that those who honored your request don't feel put out. It is also a good idea to have a basket available to collect cards from your well-wishers.

"No gifts, please."
"No gifts, thank you." (someone thought that sounded more polite...)
"Your presence is your present. No gifts, please"
"Your presence is our greatest gift. None other is needed!"
"You have been the greatest gift in our lives. This is our moment to thank you, so we ask that you not bring any gifts."
"{name} requests no gifts, please"
"The honor of your presence is all {name} would love. No gifts, please"
"We have been blessed with your friendship and so much more. To share our blessings, we will be collecting {toys, winter clothes etc} for the {local charity} in lieu of personal gifts."
"In lieu of gifts, {name} requests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice."
"We have everything we need and more! Since {name} is passionate about {dogs, children etc}, we are collecting {food, money etc) to donate to our {favorite charity}. Thank you so much!"

Creative Program Ideas

Feel like getting a little more creative with your program? I think that's a great idea! After all, it's the only reading material your guests have while they wait for the Big Moment when you walk down the aisle. A wedding program is at minimum, a schedule of events and participants but I like to think of it as a way to bring your guests in to your special day. It also can create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests by sharing and explaining what is going on during your ceremony. Many guests won't know what the heck is going on, and the program can give them important information such as: Who's that cute groomsman at the end? Do I get in line for communion? What is the canopy over the couple and why did they just stomp on a perfectly good glass? When is the ceremony over? Do I wait to be released by the bride and groom or just take off for cocktails at the reception? These are small bits of information that might seem obvious to you, but they can make a big difference to your guests.

So you've got a captive and engaged audience, why not give them something even more interesting to read? How about sharing a little bit more of yourself, your relationship and some of the special people who are joining you?

Here are just a few ideas that add some personality into your program.
- Include some history of the church/synagogue. I've seen brides include the story of the stained glass window or how the church got it's name. Share why this space is sacred to you.
-Add some fun and games! Write a Mad-Lib about how you and your fiance met. Make a silly cross-word puzzle. I had one friend who created a map of the U.S. and put a dot on the place where the guests were from. She took this further by listing the guest's names and what city. She also reprinted the first few emails between she and her fiance when they were planning their first date and after. It was so much fun to read!
-Introduce your guests to the wedding party by explaining your relationship with them. This can be as simple as listing "cousin of bride" or paying homage to their special skills such as "best chocolate chip cookie maker ever"

This bride included photos of her wedding party:

Source: designspongeonline.com via Margot on Pinterest

Here is an example of a crossword puzzle on a fan. I like how the pencil is attached!

Source: intimateweddings.com via Keri on Pinterest

This program includes pictures of the bride and groom as youngsters. Such a great idea if you knew each other or dated in highschool!

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Paper Moss on Pinterest

This program has the confetti (or birdseed?) attached with a glassine envelope. Ready just when you need it!

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Heidi on Pinterest

Paper fans, you might want to read this one

I don't mean an actual paper fan, like the one we should be using in this ridiculous heat wave. I mean lovers of paper, like me. Holly, my blogging mentor from decor8 had this amazing on-line magazine on her blog today and I did one of those cartoon head shakes that usually accompanies that flabbergasted sound that you make with your mouth, "blabbedy-blabbedy-blabbedy". I love paper!!

This is a new on-line magazine dedicated to paper and all it's glory called PaperRunway! I'm avoiding the obvious hit that it really should be a printed magazine, since that's paper at it's best, but on-line is the way to go these days. I do love me a good paper mag, though. Anyway, this one was had some really interesting goodies in it, including artists like this amazing paper cutting artist in London named Rob Ryan. So sweet and folk-artsy, which I'm super into these days. Can you imagine having the patience and to cut this out with scissors?? Those are mad snipping skills and sharp scissors, I tell you!

I also think these collage dogs by Peter Clark are so cool! I love seeing how artists use the different visual textures (like lines and words on a map) and incorporate them into something completely unrelated in topic, like a dog. Juxtoposition, I think we call that in the art world. Uh, and take a look at the dog's eye--it's some kind of round label turned into eyeball. Very clever!

It also includes some DIY projects and paper product vendors you might like to look into. Fabulous!

Thinking about a Red Tent Party

A Red Tent party. Hmmmm, what is that? Well, in my mind, it's an exotic party to celebrate women. This is not to be confused with a Romance Party (insert childish snort and giggle here). I'm thinking of the book The Red Tent when all the women would hang out together for a couple of days. I'm ignoring the reason they were there together but if you read the book you'll know what I mean. I'm thinking belly dancing, floor pillows, henna art, delicious mediterranean food and sangria. Chilling out with my favorite women and women-in-training. Doing the things we like best like eating, drinking and decorating each other. My living room happens to be really red--red couch, red vintage wool carpet and I'd like to have it there, but it's kind of small. More thinking to do on this one but doesn't it sound like fun? Might be a good reason to get the floor pillows I've been wanting, eh?

Here is some inspiration for the party:

1. Invitation designed by Margot Madison
2. Galveston Leather and gold bangle bracelets by Handmade by Anne Potter
3. Floor pillow cover from IndiaVine
4. Exotic Floor pillow from BordelloChic
5. Sangria recipe and photo pulled from Buzzle
6. Antique Wool Kilim pillow from Sukan
7. Henna art inspiration from Mehndi Fashstyles
8. Bejeweled mini candle chandalier from Shabulous Creations
9. Delicious garlicky hummus photo and recipe from The Purple Foodie