Destination Feature- Style Me Pretty

It's no secret I LOVE destination weddings, not only because I had one myself, but I can relate to the planning and preparation needed to not only make your vision come to life, but to transport, set up, and be somewhat flexible with the local elements in a place you're not completely familiar with.  It's almost a challenge, but a fun one!

I feel so honored that S&S has been featured again on Style Me Pretty for one of the Love Naturally banners I designed for a stylish-chic couple.  I worked with Vicki Grafton of My Simple Details  designing a LOVE banner to mesh with the couple's color scheme, oh so fabulous pop of color!  What a beautiful setting, congratulations to the happy couple!

Gorgeous photos via Kate Triano Photography

Get your own LOVE banner here

Looky Here

Look what arrived already...............boy was that quick:

Heck Yes I said- ( in a Napoleon Dynamite tone of voice)

Blog Face Lift

This little blog is slowly getting a face lift- well overdue, slowly but surely it is happening.  It's been a while now that I've been poking around Blogger, trying to figure out the little additions and customization options.  Although I loved the simplicity of my rather "plain", non-fussy blog, I've also been wanting to freshen up the background while keeping it neutral, and add some top button options for easy navigation.  Most all the buttons are "coming soon", but I'll be adding to them one at a time.

My new title header was inspired by my business cards, a similar look to my last design, just a bit fresher!

Remember these cards, that the lovely Alex of AP designed for me?  Still loving them!

Summer Splurge

My husband convinced me that for all of my hard work lately, I should reward myself with a shopping trip.  Online shopping trip you say?- I made that happen in a quick 10 minute break from Etsy orders, logged onto Amazon, found these aqua beauties right in front of my eyes, my fave color, the only size left (in my HUGE woman size), ummmmm, sold.

Told ya this girl doesn't pay full price ~most of the time  ;)

What have you been eyeing for this upcoming summer?  New sandals?  A new pair of shades?  A light-weight striped scarf that doubles as a cover up?

Me?  All of the above.  Just took care of the first, permanently borrowed D's aviator shades for this year (although he may not know yet), and have been hinting on that scarf.  Ahhhhhhhhhhh, can't wait for summer.  We've vowed to plan more beach hang outs, picnics, bike rides, and quality couple time.

New Bedding

We got new bedding ( a while ago)....and we love it.  I'm just getting around to sharing.

Euro Shams: Pottery Barn

Duvet cover and King pillow cases 100% Belgium Linen: Restoration Hardware

Standard pillow Organic Bamboo:  Pottery Barn

Monogram accent pillows:  Williams and Sonoma

If I could make one recommendation to anyone considering a monogrammed item for their home, Williams and Sonoma does not disappoint!  We have these monogrammed pillows, as well as monogrammed bath towels and they are oh so AMAZING!  They've lasted for almost 4 years and are still going strong.  Invest dollars where you see fit, ours were put toward items we are still in love with.

Coming up this week, the Style Me Pretty feature I didn't get to posting last week, and more!

Sparkle

If this homegirl had unlimited funds, these beauties would be in my shopping basket in no time.

Kate Spade

But since I don't, no way will these be in my closet unless they turn up on Amazon for 80% off.  A girl can dream.

Design is in the eye of the.......Kat?!!!

Just a little secret........................... my most unfavorable choice of design print is Ikat.  Sorry dudes and dudettes, as much as it's been such a craze in the design world this past year and continuing through this summer- the pattern is just not my thang!  And yes, I just said thAng!

;)

photo via google

Honestly, the only ikat I've ever seen that looked like it was done right, is from Melissa's throw pillows- the colors and setting are gorgeous.  Check out her blog here to see the only ikat fabric that didn't make me feel like I was walking into a southwestern hole.

Whewwwww!

Hello out there!  I'm still hanging out, just took a blogging break due to an unexpected busy life.  Sounds like Blogger had some issues last week (from what I read on other blogs), so maybe it was a good thing to have taken a bit of time away.  I did miss reading all your blogs and feel like a catch up is due, although the rest of this month is pretty packed with Etsy orders ( another small Style Me Pretty shout out brought in a flow of new orders)!  I'll be sure to share that feature soon!

Hope you're gearing up for summer- I can't wait!  I've been saving a few faves in my Etsy heart (favorites) that remind me of a casual summer beach day:

Love this bag- want it, need it, reeeeeeeeally gotta have it!

via Rib and Hull

via Beauty and Spa

via Piper Blue

Living Room Makeover, Sneak Peak

I'm a total tease- the living room is NOT completed yet.  We still have artwork to hang, new photos need to be printed and changed out in frames, a console table top to re-tile, lamp shades to replace, and more (I know there's more).  Anyway, it continues to get there, and we're excited to share the progress.

BTW, loving our new comfy sofa, and our new artwork mentioned before here

Custom  Art, anyone recognize our fave places?

Mothers Make the World go Round

Happy Mama's day to all the Moms out there, hope you have a great weekend!  Since I'm not a Mom yet, I'll be thinking of my own Mom, D's Mom, and my Sis this weekend. 

Me, Mom, and Sis

Little munchkins (my nephews)

Lovely Setting

I recently worked with a lovely bride, Nicole, creating a custom table runner and menus for her Hawaiian wedding.  Love her table settings!  Congratulations Nicole!

Sticky Situation

Dearest Google search,

I am in search of contact paper, shelf liner, drawer lining paper, whatever you call it these days.  Yes I'm a designer, but I can't seem to wrap my brain around finding some awesome shelf paper.  I'm not talking that fuuuuugly faux marble paper that scream tacky, I'd like something patterned or striped, a tad bit of fun.  Why is this search so difficult. 

p.s.- I would rather not spend $60 on one roll of shelf paper.

p.s.s.- I'm beginning to think maybe I'll resort to fabric, because I'm just not coming across any coolness.



Dearest Readers,

Any suggestions?   :)

Project Hutch- Round Two

As I've mentioned, projects are getting completed (you may ask, when the heck will they be done, geeeez?)- I ask myself every weekend.  Ha.  After hours into painting our hutch this past Saturday, D and I we're becoming delirious.  We decided to stop at leaving only the door frames and drawers left to be done for round three.  Once those are complete, we can add the backboard (which still needs to be purchased and painted) and add all the hardware, and this project will be complete- easier said than done.  Not to mention getting it into the apartment from the garage (ugh).

Anyway, all the photos taken show off D's mad painting skills (I lifted more than a finger too), but decided to play photographer as well:

Oh, and the infamous chair- (in the background) just got dropped off at the upholsterer's yesterday, FINALLY!!!

And a teaser for those who have been poking and prying for a shot of our new sofa:

We love it!  I can't wait to show the entire living room once we get photos and artwork up on the walls.  Do you dig our new coffee table?  It's one of our fave Rustic Rooster additions, and I'd say it fit's the bill. 

We also hung our new pendant in the corner of the room above the sofa's chaise (my claimed spot).  The simple white drum shade with hanging glass bulbs, resembles bubbles.  We're quite pleased with how it fits in our space, even with our low ceilings.  This was another "work purchase opp" and I was right on it!

Can't wait to continue sharing our updates!  Stay tuned!

Did I mention I spend more time on Etsy orders a week than I do trying to finish these home projects?  Our projects pose as my "break time" from Etsy, as every other second is typically absorbed around making orders or going to the supply store to purchase materials for orders.  How am I walking around as a non-zombie?  Hubby D likes to treat me to shoulder rubs and jamba juices- life is still good!

Popping in

I'm popping back in- had lots to complete last week with Etsy!  It's feeling nice to get things completed.  Project hutch is still in the works, as well as project chair (it's almost done), and project living room.  D and I are getting excited!

On a side note, we were driving to Starbucks this weekend (where else) and saw a pick-up truck in the lane next to us but ahead a car length.  In the back was stacked junk, but an awesome vintage looking outdoor chair amongst the pile.  Both D and I made a comment on how awesome it looked.  I was convinced this guy was taking it to the dump because of the other items it was combined with and the way it was thrown in the truck.  D wanted to catch up to the dude so that we could ask him if he was throwing it away, if so, we had enough nerve built up to ask if we could have it.  Instead, we got stuck driving behind an old grandma going 10 miles under the speed limit and the truck drove away.  No chance to ask.  Bummed.

photo via Flea Market Style