Color Me {Aqua & Gray}

Recently, work has been getting increasingly busy. It's a good thing I know but it makes time for relaxing harder. Because of that, I've finding ways to incorporate relaxing elements into my everyday. The major tactic is to make my house resemble the most tranquil place I know...the beach. I'm incorporating coastal elements everywhere but trying to keep the color scheme coordinating throughout. While there are always pops of coral, yellow, navy, and other sunny shades, gray and aqua are the base. To me, the color combo is refreshing and calming. Mix it with the ocean outside my front door and I think I would be in paradise!

What's your favorite relaxing color combo?

Color Me {Lobster}

It's not quite lobster season yet, but just the thought of the savory treat has me dreaming in lobster red. Admittedly, I'm not really a fan of the color red. However, when the bright, bold shade is paired with white and navy, I can't help but fall in love with the nautical Nantucket feel. Not only is the patriotic hue a representation of east coast classics, but a symbol of love. But, not quite as literally as you are thinking. If there are any die hard Friends out there beside myself, you probably know exactly where this is headed. And, if you don't, I'll gladly explain. During one episode Pheobe is trying to convince the group that Ross and Rachel are meant to be together by explaining that lobsters mate for life. The quote "He's your lobster" has stuck with me since I first saw the episode and it still remains one of my favorite quotes and episodes. Thus, the lobster has become a symbol of long lasting love in my book. Not to mention, it's bright red hue is the perfect lovely compliment to the symbol. 

Lusting After {Anchors}

It's true. I'm a sucker for anything nautical. Well, I'm actually a sucker for a lot of things, but that's beside the point. Give me a navy and white stripe or a rope detailing and I can't say no. However, my newest nautical obsession is the anchor. I've been spotting this detail everywhere recently and I love its versatile vibe. Whether paired with other nautical details to create a "shore" fire fun soiree or simply used for symbolic meaning, I'm sold on anchor detailing for all most all types of events. Intrigue guests with an invitation suite laced with brightly colored anchors and sea creatures. Continue to add the detail in other subtle ways by incorporating anchor hooks and gifting guests small anchor details such as bracelets, koozies, or even anchor embroidered bow ties. Accompany the detailing with a cheesy, but cute meaningful saying such as "You anchor me and keep me from getting lost at sea" to tie it all together!

Enjoy your weekend and I'll see you right here first thing Monday morning! xo

It's All In The Bag

Happy Wednesday dolls! I am prepping this week for a much needed trip home to the beach. I'm constantly finding my thoughts drifting off during the day to sand, surf, lots of sun, and fruity cocktails. As I dragged my beach gear out from storage this past weekend, I realized one thing was missing...a straw tote. It's the perfect summer accessory and big enough to hold all my beach essentials. Plus, it has such an amazing summer chic factor that can carry the bag into night.  So, realizing my wardrobe gap, I jotted off the store and found the perfect straw tote. The only thing is that it was missing that personal factor that I am always after. So, I grabbed a brush, a bottle of outdoor acrylic paint in my favorite shade of blue, and some stencils and got to work. Opting for an anchor to portray the nautical feel I was after, I printed off an image from the internet, cut it out, and taped it in the desired location.

After realizing that pencil does not work well on straw, I grabbed my brush and hoped for the best. I had to outline in paint which left no room for mistakes. And, trust me, my shaky left hand was nervous about making a mistake and ruining what could possibly be my new favorite bag. After the anchor was complete, all that was left were the "S" and "E" for my initials. That part was easy compared the anchor. After all the painting was done, I let it dry for a few hour and it was good to go. 

Not only is this bag great for long summer days, I love the idea of customizing them as welcome bags for guests at destination beach weddings. Fill with sunscreen, bottles of water, a beach towel, and maps of all the local hot spots to create the ultimate experience! 

A Little Friday Lovin' {Rope Details}

Being from the beach (and no longer living there), I have been trying to bring little nautical touches in everywhere. And by little, I mean in every square foot I can get them in. Anyways, rope details are perfect for bringing a nautical touch to your house or soiree without the area screaming "I'm a nautical themed bash." My new favorite idea is coiling up a rope in glass bowl, as in the picture above, and using it as a centerpiece. Plus, how fab are those Christian Louboutin's? I mean talk about the most amazing use of rope ever! Seriously, I could go on forever, but I will spare you my continuous blabbering about rope. How do you feel about it? Would you add rope details to your next bash or your home?

A Little Friday Lovin' {Stripes}

So, I'm a little bit obsessed with horizontal stripes right now. Apparently, they are supposed to make you look wider, but frankly "I just don't give a damn." (Who can name that movie?!) I'm kind of obsessed with how classic they are. Stripes are a great pattern to add to any soiree. They bring in a visual interest to the room while still keeping your event classic.  I mean, look at the table in the top right hand corner. It is way more visually appealing than if the striped table cloth were replaced with a solid white one.  I want to know, do you have the same infatuation with stripes as I do? Or are they a little too much for you?

Remember...Life's a Party, Plan Accordingly! Have a great weekend! xo

This Week I Feel...Refreshed

After a long, hectic week of late meetings, packing, unpacking, cleaning, re cleaning, projects, and more cleaning, I'm finally beginning to feel settled and refreshed. Does moving make anyone else feel refreshed? I'm yes, obviously I hate it while it's happening. But, after it's over, I've tossed so much during the move that I'm frankly just too lazy and don't care enough about it to move, that I feel lighter and almost like a new person. It's weird. Anyways, as I'm decorating this new place (I was over my old decor, and this place is 3 times the size so I need more stuff!) I'm drawing my inspiration from navys and whites. I feel it just keeps playing on the refreshed vibe I'm getting right now. I'm turning my home into a sanctuary to come home to at the end of the day! 

On a side, but more relevant, note, navy is a great neutral color for any event. It acts like a black or brown but brings something a little more special to the color pallet than black or brown. Personally, I'm kind of obsessed. It's turning into a problem.