daisy chain

LOVE {makes the world go round}

2012-01-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

Fresh off the Press!
Vintage Map Posters - give one to someone who means the world to you!
On sale now in my Etsy Shop, xo

Vintage Bird Invites {fresh off the press!}

2012-01-23T16:22:00.000-08:00

Just finished a new wedding invitation suite - Vintage Bird Invitations. Check 'em out and go ahead, spread the word!

{Wood You} Be Mine?

2012-01-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

Rad Valentine's Day Card for your honey? Check!
Fresh off the press, my new Wood You Be Mine cards are ready in my Etsy shop. Come 'n get 'em!
xoxo

Planning my Escape {to the boudoir}

2011-12-08T14:26:00.000-08:00

Whoosh! I just finished up a huge design job (think up till 2am each night, while running up & down stairs while intermittently calming baby down who only sleeps well with her face plastered to mine). All I can think of is this bed. With me in it. With some sort of salty/sweet treat on the bedside table. A few holiday-inspired magazines. And Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on the tube. Too much to ask? Make that at the very top of my Holiday Wish List!

Pssst....did you hear??

2011-10-19T11:09:00.001-07:00

I've been busy designing invites, posters, cards, gift tags...all kinds of paper whimsy for my new line, Hunt & Gather Papergoods. Pop over to my new Etsy shop! New {super cool} items added to the shop daily and lots of fun holiday goodies to coming soon, xo
image via glitter guide + sarah's fab day

barn invitations {part deux}

2011-08-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

I've just finished up a crisp new batch of Barn Invitations, they're neatly stacked, tied with twine and ready for ship-out. My client wanted to use an image of the wedding site, a beautifully weathered family-owned tobacco barn in Maryland, as well as tobacco leaves scattered throughout the invite. These barn invitations are, of course, my favorite to make, they're just oozing with character and personality - especially since they're finished off with a burlap wrap and tucked into a thick kraft envelope. Feel like kickin' up your heels to the banjo beat? Yep. Thought so!

my latest {storytime posters}

2011-07-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

So in between baby time, pre-tween time and buying a new house, I've gone and designed a line of kids posters and I can't wait to share them with you. They're modern, whimsical and each are custom made - just pick a color palette, send me a name and I'll write like the wind! They are so much fun and they look great framed in both modern & vintage frames. I'll have them up on my Etsy site soon, so stay tuned!

just hangin' (pod-style)

2011-06-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

This is just the type of hanging chair that I'd like to sprinkle all over my new garden, in hidden vine-covered corners and under a shady pergola. However, at $500 a piece, that will have to remain a lovely dream for now....but let's just imagine (pretend), mkay?

miss you {like crazy}

2011-04-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

To say I miss this blog and all of the creativity it spurs would be a huge understatement. The truth is we are moving and it's been a crazy couple of months but there is finally a light at the end of this moving-box lined tunnel. We've sold our home and bought another one, all at the same time - wild times, let me tell ya. I've signed so many forms recently that I think I may want to update my signature, add a few more swooshes, curves, maybe even a heart...
The new home boasts a bedroom for both kids (yeahhhhhhh) and a garden that goes on and on and on (goosebumps!). My design business is brimming with wonderful clients and I'm in the midst of another barn invitation design that I will soon share with you. Miss you all and the creative spark that you bring to my everyday...xo Amber

{happy friday!}

2011-02-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

And a very happy friday to you all!! I'm hoping to wear some fancy shoes this weekend instead of rubber boots...woo hoo! XO

happiest {hearts day!}

2011-02-14T05:08:00.000-08:00

I was so close to buying a package of iCarly cards when my daughter told me I could make something cooler....so instead, we whipped up these Valentine cuties for Ruby's second grade class - each card came attached to a big 'ol heart shaped lollipop because leaving out the candy would be downright sinful at that age. Happy Hearts day to you!

Heart {inspired} Crafts

2011-02-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day makes me a little giddy - not because of the romance, candy or flowers, but for all the fun crafts that come with it! We'll be making cards this weekend, a few cookies to boot, and if time is on our side, this bunting for the dining room. On the romance end, I have to think up something to top last years' love notes! Do you have any heart inspired crafts up your sleeve? XO

{can't resist} spring goods

2011-01-24T05:20:00.000-08:00

The hubby & I are trying to focus on a few things this year: the start of my business and saving some money (one of the two will be really fun!). Problem is, when Spring peeks around the corner I just can't help but crave a few new goodies...

green dress • it's hammered silk, I bought it without hesitation and it has spring~dinner party fun written all over it.

strappy booties • whyeeeeee do these small bits of perfection need to be $425?? I can only hope for a (really big) sale on these puppies.

ruffle jacket • is there any reason not to own this sweet cropped number?! paired with jeans & worn boots...ok, have to stop, I have goosebumps.

oh, hello there {again!}

2011-01-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

Well hello there, beautiful blog friends! It's me, Amber, your old friend who loves yellow, the smell of candles on a rainy day, and most of all, the ever inspiring people like you. I took a wee hiatus, mostly oohing+ahhing over my baby who is now not quite a baby anymore at one, but a little person with all kinds of delicious words and thoughts of her own. It's heaven I tell you, I am truly addicted to all things Layla.
However...I have been finding some time to design, as in fun/graphic/nature-inspired paper goodies that I will share with you soon.
Today I'm off to pick up some maidenhair ferns to add some springtime greenery pep to the dark corners of my home. How have you been? I missed you! xo
photo by Anna Kern via Sarah's Fab Day

{bloom} shower invites

2010-09-23T04:36:00.000-07:00

I've been busy with some great invitation jobs! We threw a pretty garden-inspired baby shower for our good friend last weekend - the invitations I made were a mix of grassy greens and pale peach, then wrapped in garden twine; they seemed to fit the day just right. images: front + back

{ultimate} farmtown dining

2010-09-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

Wait - did somebody say fried pies?? Yes...but I have yet to try one. You'd think this gem-of a-place jumped right off the pages of Sunset magazine, it's really that cute. I've come to love our early Sunday mornings at the Freemont Diner. It's the ultimate in small town organic-farm style breakfasts - think flakey bisquits, the tastiest ricotta pancakes, and homemade fennel sausage. It's also just about the best backdrop for adorable family photos. And they don't skimp on personal touches - the owner filled the bud vases with fresh wildflowers from the garden and delivered freshly picked slices of summer melons to each table. If you find yourself in Sonoma - it's a must!

pretty little {morsels}

2010-09-20T04:51:00.000-07:00

These gorgeously designed cookies made by better bit of butter may just be too pretty to eat...wait, who am I kidding, I'd polish one of these right off without regret (but I'd probably take a picture first!).

fantasy {in the} garden

2010-09-14T05:42:00.000-07:00

Like a scene straight out of Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, these images capture the ultimate in garden fantasy. I'd love to get lost in those weeping willows with a good book!

{pretty little} pockets

2010-09-13T05:18:00.000-07:00

It's become painfully clear lately that I am a saver - sure, a picky saver, but nonetheless, a saver of all cool things big & small. If only I had a way to consistently display these fun findings, they wouldn't end up in tiny piles clustered in desk drawer corners, nightstand drawers and of course, the "to be filed" file. These pocket pages could make organizing both vacation shells & concert stubs a snap!

{happy friday!}

2010-09-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! We've got a few fun things up our sleeves, what about you??....xo

everything {in it's place}

2010-09-02T05:19:00.000-07:00

Lately we've been in purge mode around here, and I love every minute of it. Really. There's something to be said for everything having it's place and for the things that don't...well, buh-bye! I like these tag-storage ideas, it could be clutter city inside but you'd never know from the outside. image via living etc.

chunky heels {for all!}

2010-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Pretty much any shoe with a chunky wood wedge is enough to make me giddy, but add a pop of orange and you may need to physically remove them from my feet before bedtime. They're also a total steal...

Beads + Navy = gorgeous

2010-08-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Emmy's put on a good show last night, that Jimmy Fallon is a funny host for sure. And...I was so happy Modern Family won so many awards - SO deserving, that is the only show I laugh out loud to. But I went to sleep dreaming of this dress/necklace combo worn by Padma, the jaw-dropping Top Chef beauty. Those chocolate & silver bead with the navy dress - love, love, love!!

the {very first} day!

2010-08-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

It was a tough decision between the jeggings and just plain 'ol leggings, but this year Ruby went with simple and chic for her first-day of second grade. It's been a whirlwind around here - happy to be back in the swing of things, xo

ahhhh....the open road

2010-08-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

The boards are on top, Jack Johnson streams from the speakers and we pinch eachother when we see an out-of-state license plate. It could only mean one thing...road trip! We've been making our way down the southern California coast, stopping in tiny beach towns and indulging in plenty of family time...and requisite daily trips to Starbucks. So far we've explored Ojai, Newport Beach, Balboa Island, and Del Mar and we're not done yet!

patios, pattern & pink!

2010-08-04T05:05:00.000-07:00

Can we all just stop, take a moment, and discuss how utterly cute this surfer's patio is?? It seems I'm always drawn to anything modern mixed with vintage - oh, and anything pink!

is there anything better {than a casserole?}

2010-08-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been getting in the habit of popping a casserole in the oven just as I leave for evening Zumba (yes, I love me some latin-hip/hop-funky-sweat inducing dance). By the time I'm home, it's all bubbly good and the family is all kinds of happy, plus the house smells divine. Here are a few to try....tortilla casserole, baked pasta casserole & vegetable gratin. y u m

snap+type+send!

2010-08-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I couldn't be any more excited for our annual road trip down the southern CA coast - this awesome instant-postcard app appears like a little ray of vacation sunshine. For all of $1.50 they print, stamp & mail the postcard, so easy, and a great little token for the family & friends.

{tiny bubbles}

2010-07-27T04:54:00.000-07:00

We have about 2 champagne glasses left that we got from our wedding registry (back in the day...). They were standard Crate & Barrel one's that completed our beer and red/white wine glass collection - and, no fooling, really made us feel like grown ups. So now, since 2 just won't do in any sort of entertaining situation, these tiny beauties will go on my wish list as the next set of champagne glasses to grace our soirees. Bottoms up!

{if walls could talk}

2010-07-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

This cow-parsley wallpaper is so fresh & full of energy, it would be a gorgeous focal point in any room. I'd love to have this as an accent wall in my office - so inspiring!

ikat pillows

2010-07-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've been searching for just-the-right-color ikat pillows for months now and with all these beautiful options I think we have a winner - top right, the pretty blue/green/brown combo - beachy but modern - love!

printing {on textiles}

2010-07-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

Printing on fabrics is totally new to me, sure, I've got the paper thing wired, but I'm so curious about the different techniques I see on various fabrics. Wedding totes, kids' favor bags, invites - so many options. Have you ever printed on fabrics - will you share your secrets with me? image:style me pretty

fruits, flowers + herbs

2010-07-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the name doesn't exactly conjure up refreshing waterfalls of thirst quenching enjoyment, but let me tell you, this soda is goooood. They were sampling it at the grocery store - I tried the lightly sweet Juniper Berry, Lemongrass Kumquat and Rhubarb and I was sold, bought a pack on the spot. Oh - and the clean, modern packaging looks really good in my fridge...just saying.

{happy friday!}

2010-07-09T23:28:00.000-07:00

Happy weekend - hope you have time to lay under a shady tree and do a little daydreaming, xo

image:i.anton

pure {font} love.

2010-07-08T04:48:00.000-07:00

Do you have any idea how much I want this beautiful font?! Oh the paper pretties I would create....

she {must be} European

2010-07-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

At least that's what I thought while I was laying at the pool and a girl walked by in a super cute metallic bikini. Not sure why I equated being European with wearing a metallic bikini, but know this - I want one. Nothing too flashy, and a matte sheen would do just fine. Something a bit like this or maybe even this.

need a good chuckle?

2010-07-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

I sure did, so I went ahead and read the last 40 post on Catalog Living and laughed right out loud at the stylist-bashing humor of Elaine & Gary. A few favorites: Don't Test Me / A Twist of Something / Alive with Flavor. So, so good - you've got to read them all.
via mr.benstead

romp {in the hay}

2010-06-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

It's official, I love rompers. Yesterday I wore one to a BBQ, nothing fancy really, cotton, strapless and with a drop waist, but still a far cry from my usual jeans/tank/scarf/gold hoop combo that I rock way too often. Who knew at 6 years old my favorite rainbow terry romper (plus a few missing baby teeth), would still be in my closet... have a happy romp! top image: little me, bottom images from revolve clothing

french {vintage} labels

2010-06-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Swoon! I may have to come up with a summer gathering just to use these beautiful vintage drink labels. Each one is like a little work of art, they'd actually look great blown up in a kitchen or dining room. via idiy

{sweet tart}

2010-06-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

What is with my obsession with ruffles lately?? Who knows, but this skirt is a total steal right now! Perfect for a summer evening out with the girls or maybe for a date night with the hubby, either way, the whole look has me giddy.

oodles {of ruffles!}

2010-06-16T04:08:00.000-07:00

Urban has completely made my day with their pretty ruffle collection - posh girliness to the extreme, I love it!

Loop {dee} Loop

2010-06-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

Loving the simplicity of this jewelry line, I could wear each & every yummy piece!

{tea party} success!

2010-06-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Dahhhling's, Ruby's tea party in the park was a very sweet, 7th-birthday success! I'm pretty sure it was the last year I could throw her a party like this before entering the land of tween themes & such. Who can resist a cake stand loaded with mini-sweets & savories?!

a perfect {time for} tea

2010-06-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry. Life got really busy on me and blogging had to take backseat. So many projects & jobs right now, plus ample baby lovin' + squeezin' have left me - utterly tired. I'm still completely inspired and want to share with you as much as I can muster up. Ruby's birthday party is this weekend, we're having a tea party in the park - these are the invites we made with the sewing machine and some fun papers.

{blown away}

2010-05-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

No cuts. No color. Just blowouts - wash included. And not just any blowout, an entire menu of 'em so that you can choose the just-right one for you (messy, beachy mai tai is my pick)! The entire concept of drybar has left me giddy, I mean, it's genius, right? It's also no surprise that the fine folks who started it have a bit of star-studded experience behind their belts. I can only cross my fingers, click my heels together a few times and hope that a drybar opens near me. They also rent it out for parties, which may just be reason enough to fly to LA for a girls weekend...
via the lovely cupcakes & cashmere

boothtime fun!

2010-05-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

Lately, every event or party we attend has a photobooth, and that my friends, is a magical thing! These are from the beautiful wedding we were at last weekend (more on that to come!).

barn {wedding} weekend

2010-05-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

Today we're heading out of town for a fun filled barn-wedding weekend {the camera is packed, it's sure to be chock full of sweet details to share!}. Remember those barn invites I did with the burlap pouches, well this is the very same wedding, can't wait! My only dilemma is the dress, I'll be wearing one of these, both are packed, just. can't. decide...thoughts?

UPDATE: I wore the one on the left! It was cute, but too much fabric, made me feel pregnant all over again.

DIY {goody bags}

2010-05-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I love a goody bag, I mean, who can resist a tiny bag holding a bit of whimsy on the way out of a party?? These simple DIY bags are a cinch and will be added to my "crafty-list of things to do" list. Fun for showers, birthdays, you name it!!

c'mon {get happy}

2010-05-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hello! Sorry for the leave of absence, my mind & thoughts have been elsewhere lately. A very special lady, my grandma, has passed and I've been thinking about her, celebrating who she was. This cake, however, like happiness and smiles all wrapped in one, makes the world seem like a pretty cool place.

Heaven {on a plate}

2010-05-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hands down, my all time favorite summer dessert ~ sweet strawberries dipped in thick tangy sour cream, finished off with a generous dip of brown sugar...in a word, heaven, my friends, pure heaven. via stephmodo

{happy friday!}

2010-05-07T04:54:00.000-07:00

Got plans this weekend? Whatever you do, don't forget to give your mom a big smoochie on Sunday! xo, amber image: heather pauline

{sweet dreams} bedding

2010-05-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

My poor bed has been needing a makeover for quite some time, it's just white and kind of there - it's a blah bed, really. We have an incredible new mattress, but it's missing the dreamy factor. I'm loving this palette of plums, mustard, pink, grey & white - mellow but still full of whimsy, and slightly romantic, no?

{sunday morning}

2010-05-04T04:08:00.000-07:00

sunday morning. bead-head. sweet girls. husband made coffee. does it get any better?? xo

{garden party}

2010-05-03T04:19:00.000-07:00

If you close your eyes and imagine the most beautiful garden party, just try and say this isn't the perfect table scape. That Amy Atlas, she had me at hanging goodie bags and labeled straws - party genious!

{happy friday!}

2010-04-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Couldn't you just get lost in this Parisian boutique for hours?? Happy Friday, my friends, and don't forget the Alameda Flea Market is this Sunday! xo, amber

{girl from Ipanema}

2010-04-29T04:52:00.000-07:00

The bulk of cute summer dresses I find are usually at Anthropologie, however, this new collection might lead me to stray....Meandering in Marrakkesh, Somewhere in Stockholm, even the names are crazy cute. Grab a floppy hat and some wedges, summer at it's finest!

butterfly {escort cards}

2010-04-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

Kinds of adore these butterfly escort cards, like a little bit of beauty & nature on a mossy stick, so clever. I'd use these as place settings for a garden party or at an outdoor wedding.

parasol centerpieces {DIY!}

2010-04-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

These are crazy cute and would brighten any brunch or birthday table right up, or how about Cinco de Mayo, perhaps?? Complete instructions here - craft on!

{happy friday!}

2010-04-23T04:13:00.000-07:00

Two words, happy + friday ~ here's to a sunshine filled weekend ahead, xoxo image: elizabethmessina

{oh boy!}

2010-04-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

My friend Alex is having a boy so I made these Oh boy! shower invites with fun printed envelopes. I used "O" shaped paper clips and accented the O's on the envelopes. Have I mentioned my love for cool printed envelopes? It makes all the difference in the world. Details, details!

palm springs {the lowdown}

2010-04-21T11:43:00.001-07:00

So how does a crafty lil' thing like myself end up in Palm Springs smack dab in the middle of a Coachella afterparty at the Ace Hotel? Seriously, I have no idea, but know this - it. was. rad.
At dinner we sat by Gina Gershon and watched a gorgeous Malin Ackerman turn every boy's head. The night really began with DJ's Andrew&Andrew visiting from NY, the cutest couple who've been dressing identical for 10 years. A quick romp outside for a drink where we found ourselves next to a familiar smoky voice...of Lindsay Lohan. I kid you not, friends, I was representing. Then we met Tim, another NY DJ who took us to the afterparty where, upon searching for the bathroom, instead I ran into and stayed glued next to...John Mayer. It just keeps getting better, no? The evening ended at 3am...an hour I am most familiar with as I'm usually feeding baby and doing the hallway pace. I'm home, refreshed and it all seems like a weird Perez Hilton dream of some sort.

{all in the name}

2010-04-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I've ever told you why this 'lil 'ol blog of mine is called daisy chain, but the reasoning is pure and always brings me to my happy place. There is nothing I like more than to sit in the park making daisy chains on a warm day. The act of popping the daisy out of the grass, splitting the stem open with my fingernail and linking the next and the next, all intertwined into a delicate crown. Simplicity at it's best!

{happy friday!}

2010-04-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Have a wonderful weekend - I'll be in super relaxation mode in Palm Springs, xo amber lovely lingerie image

{SPILL it!} black eiffel

2010-04-15T05:03:00.000-07:00

This week's {SPILL} comes from the lovely Rachel of Black Eiffel, one of my all-time favorite design blogs. Don't be shy, take a peek...xo

--Stuff in my bag --

1: Camelback water bottle : I always carry a water bottle with me wherever I go, I've tried quite a few and this has been a long time favorite.

2: Flip & Tumble bags: These are the very best fold up bags I've come across. They are great for carrying groceries or other things in a pinch, even can be used as a toy.

3: Kate Spade Wallet : My first Kate Spade wallet and I am hooked, the quality is impeccable.

4: Matryoshka doll : I like to carry a toy that my daughter doesn't play with too often to intrigue and entertain her.

5: Clean Well: We love using a hand sanitizing product that smells somewhat alright, and is natural, safe, and kid-friendly.

6: Kate Spade Glasses : Got these a few months ago, I love the pink case.

7: Flip : I make an effort to carry a camera wherever I go, usually it is a pocket camera, but lately I am carrying our flip around. You never know when you'll want to capture a moment.

8: iPhone: Hands down the best invention ever, although the iPad comes pretty close. (Yah, my husband and I are tech nerds).

9: LÄRABAR : It is tricky to find snack bars that don't have a lot of additives, but LÄRABAR'S fit the bill. Our family favorite is Coconut Creme Pie.

10: Orla Kiely makeup bag : A little on the spendy side, but one of my favorite purchases EVER.

11: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer : This is on my top five list of favorite cosmetics from my bag.

12: Moleskin + Muji pen : The tactile nature of pen & paper will never go away. I use mine as a type of sketchbook -- to tape scraps, doodle or write down thoughts when out and about.
Bag is from Sundance.

pot pie {oh goodness.}

2010-04-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since I saw the Barefoot Contessa episode where she whips up a fresh pot pie, I swear it's all I can do not to make one. Something about that whole made crust seems so daunting, but it looks so good, right??

take me to {the Springs!}

2010-04-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Warm desert winds, swimming, shopping and great girls - count me in. On Friday I'm headed to Palm Springs for a bachelorette weekend - it's my first time leaving the littlest so I'm a bit freaked, but all the sunshine and sleep might do me some good! If you have any tips on shops, food, fun...send them my way!

{happy friday!}

2010-04-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Have the very best weekend, my friends! Sorry I've been a bit m.i.a due to the little munchkin (she can't help but steal all my attention) - will try to be a better blogger next week! xo, amber

the wedge {is back!}

2010-04-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

Around this time last year my hunt for spring shoes began, but all I came up with was a sea of flats. Cute flats, sure, but flats on a shorty like myself just don't bode well when going for that just -stepped-out of a-Lancome ad-look (you know, the one where she's walking her puppy in a path of blooming flowers?). These spring wedges are all good - with a sundress, with a bevvy of jeans, and gauzy summer skirts. yellow cork wedge, wooden wedge w/ medallions, strappy silver, daisy cork wedge (love!),

urban garden {terrain}

2010-04-07T04:06:00.000-07:00

Ooooh...take a gander at what those geniuses at Anthropologie have been up to! I've posted about the garden wonderland Terrain before, but now it's gone to a new level - our level that is, we can now get it (drool over it) online. Woo hoo! Field-to-table furnishings? check! strawberry jam and fresh honey? check! Greenthumb or not - you'll love it.

{easter} crafting

2010-04-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

It's spring break around here, not the girl's gone wild style though, more like DIY project central. I promised Ruby we could do something crafty each day of her break - so far, so good. Today it's dogwood branches w/ little paper flower & leaves, but here I found these pretty fabric eggs which we can tackle tomorrow. It's a far cry from Daytona Beach, but I'll take crafting with my daughter over bikini contests anyday...

a {woodland} fairytale

2010-03-30T04:20:00.000-07:00

Ribbon streamers and actual family trees - you will looooooove June + Paul's wedding!!

{mixed} media

2010-03-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of this artist - love the way her pieces fit and flow together - just beautiful!

{happy friday!}

2010-03-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

Priorities...this week was a doozy with work, kids, life - just wasn't feeling super inspired. I'm hoping a bit of sunshine and weekend wanderlust put me back in the swing of things, xo amber {photo of sweet Layla, 4 months yesterday!}

{happy friday!}

2010-03-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

This pretty much says it all! Happy Spring weekend all of you lovelies - ! xo, amber

cupcake kits

2010-03-18T04:26:00.000-07:00

Fairies, mermaids, aloha...these cupcake kits are beyond adorable and I want them all.

dollhouse {with a twist!}

2010-03-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

My dollhouse wasn't super fancy, used and purchased at a garage sale and in need of TLC, but I spent many hours just imagining & decorating. The walls were wallpapered, the floors carpeted, and my weekly allowance was spent on teeny tiny furniture - a porcelain clawfoot tub, frilly canopy bed, a kitchen hutch filled with dishes. This post brought me back, and what a simple way to add some beautiful color than with fabric or scrapbook papers. This is a project I will definitely be doing for my littlest.

yarn wrap {simple+sweet}

2010-03-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

Using yarn over pretty gift wrap or over a plain box is just about the sweetest surprise - big shiny bows begone! And, of course, these would make great party favors (for all ages!). image:marthastewart

{happy friday!}

2010-03-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

Have a great weekend, my friends! These two girls are the key to my happiness, xo amber

Kell it {like it is}

2010-03-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

She scares me, but I like it. It's real, dirty + a bit anti-glam - I can't get enough of the Bravo-drama-rama Kell on Earth. The show follows Kelly Cutrone as she runs her uber-successful fashion PR company - all the while instilling her raw sense of sensibility and real-world rules. If she knew stationary design the way she did fashion, I'd hire her in a hot second. Are you watching??

inspiring tiling

2010-03-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

We need some {inexpensive} pizazz in our super run-of-the-mill kitchen. We've begun replacing the appliances with stainless (l o v e), next comes paint, and now I'm thinking a simple backsplash could be really fun without being a huge extra cost. I can't stop looking at Ann Sacks collection of glass and ceramic tiles - the colors & textures are pure inspiration!

{happy friday!}

2010-03-05T05:36:00.000-08:00

hooray! It's the weekend! We're going to a salsa-inspired benefit for my daughter's school this weekend, so I'm looking for a ruffle skirt or dress (yes, totally last minute which is how I operate). xo amber image: i.anton

springtime {dinner}

2010-03-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

Well, the magnolia trees are in full bloom, so that settles it - spring has sprung! Give me crunchy colorful salads and lots of it - I'll be making this for dinner tonight, along with some grilled shrimp. Kind of excited. What are your favorite springtime dinners?

a big, beautiful {surprise}

2010-03-02T05:56:00.000-08:00

We threw my mom an amazing surprise 60th birthday party last weekend at her favorite restaurant in town. The surprise went off without a hitch, even flying in her brother & mom from the east coast without her finding out. So sneaky! Using her favorite colors orange & turquoise, I made accordion photo booklets which were at each place setting, and cello bags of orange-essence cookies for the favors. We made floral centerpieces using huge bundles of flowering branches in tall glass cylinders and 100 white votives scattered on the tables. Definitely a night to remember!

reupholstery {it's like magic!}

2010-03-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

I've been itching to reupholster something, or maybe it's just an excuse to buy some gorgeous ikat or suzani fabric that I can't stop daydreaming about. There's a perfect blank wall in my bedroom for a settee, so the hunt is on for something old and not-so-perfect that I can fix up. image:house beautiful

{happy friday!}

2010-02-26T06:13:00.000-08:00

Those pretty little pink+white buds have appeared on the trees...spring is in the air! I have a few crafty things up my sleeve for the weekend, look for them next week, xo amber image: nick bartoletti

vintage kilims {on the hunt}

2010-02-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I wandered into an amazing shop filled to the brim with vintage kilim rugs. All the patterns & colors warmed a usually cold space right up. The prices were over-the-top expensive, so this morning I went on an eBay hunt. I'd love to find one like this, with bits of rich plum and chocolate colors. image via decor8

ruffles {overfloweth}

2010-02-23T05:09:00.000-08:00

My daughter Ruby wants a garden tea party for her 7th birthday (not until June, of course, but she's already planning...wonder where she gets that?). Could these tiered ruffle tablecloths be any more perfect for the occasion? And the yellow garden chairs?? Yeah, crazy cute. image via country living

{my} Nepenthe

2010-02-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been somewhere so magical that it resonates in your memory over & over throughout your life? For me, it's Nepenthe. The first road trip I ever took with my husband (then boyfriend) was down the rugged Big Sur Coast. I didn't know it then, but a stop in to Nepenthe ("no-pain"), nestled into the side of the rocky cliffs and surrounded by fern gardens would become our yearly must-stop, the backdrop for anniversaries, birthdays and romantic weekend getaways. I'll take a glass of chardonnay and the ambrosia burger on their patio anyday.

My friend Alex bought me this memoir/cookbook written by the grandaughter of the Nepenthe founders. Photos of rich colored tapestries beside recipes like "Day at the Beach Minestrone" woven with tales of beat poets and hollywood royalty, has made this my new favorite read.

{happy friday!}

2010-02-19T04:49:00.000-08:00

Have an awesome weekend, lovely ladies...I'll be nursing a cold with some chicken soup, xo amber image: i.anton

{SPILL it!} lovely clusters

2010-02-18T04:22:00.000-08:00

Today's {SPILL} comes from sweet Rachel of Lovely Clusters. I've been a fan of her eye-for-beauty for forever now, and I also love that she lives in Hawaii...here's what she's got in there - take a peak! xo

1. My large black "bowling bag" from Ruche

I added some vintage pins to make it more my style. The spoon and fork pin is from Down and Out Chic and the owl pin was given to me by my mom. :)
2. iphone: I love this thing. Twitter, email, google reader on the road!
3. Round Lip Gloss for color to dress it up a bit and burts bee chapstick for casual days. I have about three of these in various places. Cannot live without it!
4. Car Keys to my Jetta. I love my car.
5. Pencil for random sketchs if my phone died and I got really bored.
6. Mini notebook for notes. I still hand write quick notes. It takes me longer to type it on my phone.
7. Mini sewing kit for emergencies. My wedding coordinator had me buy one for my wedding and I thought it was a great idea!
8. Business card holder is a must. You never know when you will meet someone who can use your services.
9. My wallett/clutch. I love this thing because if I dont want to wear my big bag I can just wear this and wear it as a clutch. My husband bought this for me in Rome. Gotta love Italian leather!
10. Tape Measure. I actually need a larger one but I do a lot of measures for houses with an interior designer that I work with. Its always good to have extras in case one breaks.

{budget} love notes

2010-02-15T04:17:00.000-08:00

I don't know what's gotten into me, must be all the rain, but I'm on a serious crafty roll. The hubby and I decided not to spend money on gifts this year, but to make something instead (I just heard him using the saw in the garage?!). I went with "teeny tiny love notes", using cool love-song lyrics (think bob marley, ben harper, bob dylan...) and placing them in these tiny little envelopes. Ruby helped me hide them around the house for a bit of a valentine's day caper. Total cost...$0 Total Love Impact...big. xo

{happy friday!}

2010-02-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

Friends ~ have a lovely weekend and a cozy, romantic valentine's day, xo amber image by the uber-talented: i. anton

sneak peak {barn wedding invites}

2010-02-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

I'm crazy busy today trying to finish up these barn wedding invitations I've been working on. Sewing burlap is officially my least favorite thing to do, it moves and shifts and...well, at least it looks good. I'll have better pics when everything is complete!

sometimes I'm distracted...

2010-02-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

...by this little dumpling! Layla is now 2.5 months, and 12 pounds of smiley, chunky goodness. I find myself talking in a high pitch voice and doing some really embarrassing dancing just to make her smile. The sleeping is going ok, she's still up about every 2-3 hours, but still, when I see her in the morning light, somehow the night doesn't matter anymore. xo

{blowing hearts} valentine's

2010-02-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

We just finished up Ruby's sweet blowing hearts Valentine's Day goody bags. I took the photo against a white wall, followed by a bit of photoshop, a few hearts here and there, and voila! No need for those store bought Hannah Montana cards (which I succumbed to last year), these personalized ones are way cooler.

c'mon, guess where...

2010-02-08T05:07:00.000-08:00

Tarjay, my friends! The ikat ottoman and those chunky nesting tables?? Sometimes they just get it right. And...that dreamy light will be making it's home above my dining table very, very soon. canary print chair, ikat ottoman, light, nest tables

{happy friday!}

2010-02-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

Here's to trying some new things - like taking a Zumba class (I did and loved it) and taking pictures in the rain (for a little project I have planned), xo amber image Shelby Nycole

{SPILL it!} urban flea

2010-02-04T04:43:00.000-08:00

This week's spill comes from the lovely Katherine of Urban Flea...let's see what she's got here in this oh-so-neatly-organized {SPILL}:
- My little wallet for my massive purse (it was a Christmas gift from my always tasteful parents, hey, better than socks!)
- My vintage Christofle business card holder. It looks pretty beat up, but I feel like a 1920s Wall Street mogul when I'm using it.
- You can't see it very well, but that's my "Smokey Eyes" shadow kit from Benefit.
- My moleskin notebook for jotting down notes and inspiration; I'm not even really sure how many full ones I've got, but I can tell you, there's a whole arsenal of them!
- What's that you ask? Reading glasses! Sad, huh? I'm 24, and already headed down that squinty path.
- My bright red Revlon lipstick. Once again, we're going with the 1920s theme.
- I love my Sonia Kashuk makeup brush. And yes, I may be a bit on the vain side.
- My favorite necklace that I chucked in my purse the other day when I put my scarf on; now it's tangled beyond belief. Let me know if you have any good detangling methods?
- More makeup. I know, I know.
Thank you Katherine - love the smokey eyeshadow & fancy business card holder, totally professional! however, that necklace is going to be a total beeee-otch to detangle... xo, amber

wall paint {decisions, decisions}

2010-02-03T06:47:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of neutral walls - at least I think I am. We're repainting our dining room & kitchen, which are closely joined together, so I'd like the colors to be in the same tone. Lately I'm thinking neutrals just don't feel that warm to me, so we're changing it up and adding a bit of color. I'm not getting crazy here, but still, it's a big step. I like this palette of designer's favorites - relaxing, but still vibrant with that muddy yellow...you like?

{pretty little} frocks

2010-02-01T07:19:00.000-08:00

What does one do on a cold overcast weekend day when the laundry's been done, kids are occupied and the husband is busy watching football? Go to Anthropologie and try on new Spring dresses, of course! (That cute little number on the left isn't in the store yet, but I'm so hunting it down when it arrives). xo