Purple & Gold Pocketfold Wedding Invitations

I made these beautiful pocketfold wedding invitations for my sister-in-law's brother & future sister-in-law (got that?!). She picked a stunning color combination of plum purple & antique gold. Since the colors were so striking we decided to keep the wording & design on the simple side.



Gold is having a major moment right now and judging from what brides have been requesting this seems be the hottest color combo for upcoming fall weddings.



I started making wedding paper goods back in 2007-2008 while planning my own wedding. I've learned so much since then & my skills have greatly improved. I am so lucky that I've been able to turn this into a successful business. I still have to pinch myself to be sure it isn't a dream! :)



It has been a joy working with Barbie. I will be making lots of matching goodies for her September reception, so stay tuned for more!

A little bedroom inspiration

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Isn't this a lovely little bedroom? It just goes to show that even when you are short on space you don't have to sacrifice style. There are so many elements that I love in this room. The aged mirror wall, the chandelier (although I can't live without a ceiling fan), the tufted headboard...I could go on and on.
I did a little digging and discovered that this is the bedroom from Kim Kardashian's former apartment. She is definitely one of the most polarizing celebrities out there but I do the way those Kardashians decorate! I found a few drool-worthy elements so you can create your own version.

Amelie Mirrored Armoire from Neiman Marcus {source}

Antique Louis XV Chandelier {source}

Seville Tufted Headboard from Target {source}

Global Geo Bedding from Target {source}
We have & love this bedding!

Friday Favorites!

Favorite Funny

It has been sweltering in PA this week, yesterday my car thermometer read triple digits at 8:30pm. I would much prefer a blizzard (really!).

Favorite Spot to Snuggle Up

How inviting does this space look? Lots of Ikea items styled to look super luxe!
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Favorite Chic Powder Room

My taste is always evolving and I love change...Sometimes I think it's a blessing to be a renter. It prevents me from putting up grasscloth wallpaper on a whim. ;)
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Favorite Nautical Bedroom

I am helping design "my" bedroom at the lake. Brian came up with a red, white & blue color scheme (he really wanted a Phillies theme). Those colors lend themselves to a nautical theme perfectly. I love how this room is nautical without being overly themed.
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Favorite Event Hair

Isn't this beautiful? My friend did a waterfall rope braid in my hair for a wedding. It was perfect for a hot summer evening!

Favorite Quote

Our lives have become so centered on social media and sharing even the mundane. Unless it is something really special I just don't see the need to share what/where I ate for dinner, what I bought at the grocery store or that my dog is house broken. It can be easy to fall into the trap of doing things for the adulation of others but I try hard to do what truly make me happy.

Sundae Campfire Cones

I've seen variations of Campfire Cones floating around the web all summer and on July 4th I had an opportunity to try them out!

We wanted to keep our ingredients simple: waffle cones, pineapple, marshmallows, chocolate chips, peanut butter bits, whipped cream & cherries. (Basically an ice cream-less sundae!)

Step 1: Grab a cone and fill it with your favorites! We found that marshmallows work best on the top, they stick together and keep all the goodness in the cone.
Step 2: Wrap your cone in tin foil. Be sure the edges are all sealed.
Step 3: Place wrapped cone around campfire. (The grill works well too) You don't want to put the cone too close to the flames though, your waffle cone will burn!

Step 4: Wait about 15 minutes, open carefully (it's hot!) and ENJOY! In my opinion it is best to take the cones out before everything inside melts to a liquid (see below). Ooey gooey melty goodness, without third-degree chocolate burns.

While munching on our cones we kept thinking of ingredients to try next time. Some of my favorite ideas included strawberries, crunched up cookies, Nutella & banana slices. Mmmm...

Moss Initial Wreath - Tutorial

I've received a few questions about how I made the mossy monogram wreath I shared in last week's Summer Porch post. While I don't have many pictures of the process I figured I could still put together a little tutorial for you. :)

Supplies:
-Grapevine wreath (full size, not mini)
-Sheet moss (I picked mine up at Joann's- Panacea brand)
-Wooden initial (I used a thin plywood one from Michael's)
-Burlap ribbon
-Hot Glue Gun
-Twine
-Scissors
-Sharpie

First thing is first - lay out an old sheet or trash bag. The moss is messy! Unfold your sheet moss, it looks like this:

Flip the moss sheet over. The kind I used had a sticky back so it was covered in paper. That was perfect because I was able to just lay my R down and trace it with a sharpie. Be sure to trace a piece to fit the front! That means you'll want the letter to look backwards while tracing. Cut out your letter then peel off the paper backing. Even though the moss is a little sticky I hot glued it to the letter since this was going outside. Work in sections so your glue doesn't cool before the moss is stuck. I could recommend cutting a little outside of your traced letter, that way you can fold the moss around the edge of the letter. I didn't think to do this, so I ended up using scraps to cover the edges. Either way works!

I didn't cover the back of my letter, it is just facing the door so I figured there was no need. I hot glued a few twine ties to the back and used them to attach the letter to the grapevine. This worked great because I was able to weave the twine into the grapevine for a good {yet hidden} hold.

Finally I tied a burlap bow. I attached the bow as well as the long ribbon ties. By attaching the ties it has helped keep the burlap from fraying, a lesson I learned from my Christmas wreath. I've had my wreath outside for several months now and it is holding up really well. I believe this is in part to the sheet moss opposed to loose moss. As my wreath has been outside the moss has changed color a bit, you can see the difference from the first & last pictures. It started out bright green and is now a muted green-brown. I actually prefer the latter, I feel like it looks much more natural!



I'm linking up with: Glamorous, Affordable Life, Liz Marie Blog

Adding Summer Curb Appeal to a Cookie Cutter Condo

We live in a condo and there are lots of rules about what you can and can't do to the exterior.
-Everyone must have the same exact front door, porch light, fire alarm, etc...
-"Decorative" items are to be kept to a minimum.
-No planting of perennials allowed!
I was able to come up with a few small touches to take our entrance from stark & impersonal to warm & welcoming. First up, a little burlap garden flag. Cute, no?



My solution for the "no planting" rule - I filled an urn! At first I was skeptical about how a single urn would look but our porch is too small for a pair. I actually really love the look...symmetry schmmetry. I've seen potted hostas all over the web this spring and decided to try one. I wanted to add some color so I framed my hosta with hardy wave petunias. They are flourishing even though the area is pretty shaded!



To dress up the front door I made a mossy monogram wreath. I actually made this a few months ago as my spring door décor but I love it so much I decided to keep it out for summer. I just added the pink blossom to tie it into my potted flowers. I've had the wreath outside for a few months and it is holding up really well!



Considering what I have to work with I love the results! :) I hope this gives you some inspiration to dress up your apartment, condo or house. Even if its a rental it doesn't need to be blah! How do you make your entrance welcoming?



I'm linking up with: Project Inspire{d} at Setting for Four, Tutorials & Tips @ Home Stories A to Z, Give Me The Goods Monday @ Rain on a Tin Roof, Liz Marie Blog

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