Color Me {Merry & Bright}

Well, we are down to the wire. Christmas is only two days away. It's time to start baking up cookies for Santa and getting ready for a joyous holiday celebration. We are off today to see family all over the state for the next two weeks and I'm excited to spend some time away and celebrate with those that mean the most to us. It's hard for me to not be in a good mood this time of year and I wanted to translate that into today's inspiration. Much like my mood, this board is filled with all things merry and bright. To some Christmas may mean red and green, but sometimes it's nice to mix it up. Who's to say you can't have a holiday filled with all the colors of the rainbow? Pinks, turquoises, and greens sure fill the room with joy unlike any combination I've seen before. If this doesn't put a smile on your face there may just be something wrong!

I hope you all have a Merry Monday! What are your plans for the holidays?

Color Me {Pink Champagne}

Happy Monday! How was everyone's first official weekend of summer? Hopefully you took some time to relax and enjoy some of the things we all love about summer like beach trips, backyard BBQ's, and outdoor fun and games. We spent most of the day yesterday outside enjoying the increasingly hot weather working on projects for the house and a fun DIY I'll show you a little later this week. But as the temperatures rise, I can only try and think of things to keep me cooler (or at least imagine I feel cooler). One way I do this is imagining soft cooler colors like this pink and champagne combo. It's soft, subtle and romantic and gives off a natural elegance that seems easy and not too stiff. I love to use it for all sorts of girly gatherings like at home spa parties, a birthday gathering, bridal showers, and more. Try incorporating it into your next gathering by displaying blush blooms atop a shimmering light gold table linen. Surround with tea lights to complete this cool look!

Color Me {Summer Berry}

Recently, I've been seeing all of these posts on Facebook about people picking their own produce, everything from citrus to vegetables to berries. It looks so fun and I've been dying to do it for awhile now. I finally did some research the other day and found a place not to far from our house. There we can pick organic blueberries, blackberries and strawberries, and I'm already imagining what to do with the loot. I'm thinking pies, cobblers, and tarts galore. I may event finally try my hand at canning and make some berry preserves to give as gifts. The thought of finally going picking has me inspired for summer parties too. The bright, vivid colors of the berries spring thoughts of a pretty, relaxed afternoon gathering. Pink, navy, red and deep burgundy will fill the room accompanied by soft neutrals like ivory and gold. It would make a great scheme for a formal affair as well. Whether you make it formal or casual, the organic combination of berry shades is perfect for all your warm weather get togethers.

Have a great Monday!

Color Me {Strawberry Lemonade}

As the sun gets brighter and the days get longer, I can't help but remember back to a simpler time. When your a kid, all that really matters is having fun. You're carefree, full of life and celebrate each little victory. I can't help but wonder why it can't be the same when we grow up. It is my vow that from now on, I will take the little kids approach to life. Celebrate everything and just have fun. Today's post is an ode to that. The pink and yellow combo screams of spring and fun memories. Just looking at it, I can't help but smile and want to bust out the old fashioned lemonade stand for some neighborhood fun. Now, while I go plan a block party, tell me...what's was your favorite part about being a kid that you will bring to your life now?

Have a great Monday!

Color Me {In Full Bloom}

I told you all how big of spring kick I was on. Even with the cold front we have had this past weekend, I can't stop thinking of all the good things to come this spring. Warm sunny days filled with outdoor dining and refreshing cocktails are a few of the things to look forward to. But, what I'm most excited about are all of the fresh blooms. I can't wait for the gorgeous tree outside my front door to get it's big pink blooms back and to switch out the dead winter buds in my planter box for eye catching florals. While I sit and wait for the warmer weather to slowly arrive, this floral print inspiration board will give me hope of sunny days to come!

Have a great Monday!

Color Me {Red with Love}

Happy Valentine's week! Tis the week of love and showing those you care for most how much they mean to you. In the spirit of love, I wanted to fill today's post with shades of it. Adorned with various pinks and reds, this color pallet is not only perfect for the day of love but for the upcoming spring season. These bright shades bring a sense of happiness and a welcoming spirit. So as we raise a glass of champagne to love this week let's also toast to the oncoming spring season and a series of bright posts to come!

Who will you share Valentine's day with?

Color Me {Blood Orange}

On my first trip to Italy years ago, I fell in love with the flavor of blood orange. It's was so distinctive and flavorful and no where to be found when I returned to the states. Ever since that first trip, my love of it grew and so did its availability at home. Since it's my birthday week, I'm filling this week's posts with things I love starting with the color of blood oranges. It's bold, beautiful and different than anything else. With a single slice being an ombré of deep reds, oranges, and everything in between, the combos are sure to create a gorgeous event.

Love blood orange as much as I do? Tune in tomorrow for my blood orange margarita recipe!

Color Me {Blush & Gray}

Hi there! How was everyone's weekend? We spent it celebrating Rob's 25th birthday and it was actually quite relaxing. Per the birthday boys request we spent Friday and Saturday just sitting and relaxing, something that, given our busy schedules, rarely happens. It was nice because when I got tired of sitting (it happened often) I was actually able to get a lot of December prep work done for the blog and plan ahead for this week's trip to Tennessee for my friend Kayla's wedding. Today's post is actually inspired by her classically beautiful colors. Kay has gone with her favorite blush pink (or pig pink as I call it because that's her favorite animal) and paired it with my new favorite neutral, gray. The combo is wonderful because 10 years down the road it will have the same (not dated) impact. I love how elegant but fun and totally girlie it is. I can't to see her vision come to life and celebrate the happy moment with her this weekend!

Have a great Monday!

Center of Attention

Sometimes the center of attention at your party is you, sometimes it's your centerpieces, and sometimes it's neither. Sometimes it's a table in the corner adorned with pom poms, a sequined board, and an assortment of yummy desserts. And, sometimes that's all you need! I came across this lovely image on Pinterest and it certainly is an eye catcher. The glistening glittered back drop with my favorite sign draws guests attention. Add on an array of pink and gold pom poms and some scrumptious desserts and you've got one eye catcher worthy of your celebration!

Have a great weekend!

*Image from A Blissful Nest

Color Me {Neon}

I've always been a little scared of the neon trend. Being the lover of all things black, white, neutral and blue, the bright shade of neon pink has me running scared most of the time. But, this weekend, while making a strawberry pie, which I'll share with you on Thursday, I found an appreciation for it. The glaze of the pie, once cooling, began to take on tones of the eye catching shade of pink. Sounds a little scary for a pie I know, but it was actually really pretty. It left me feeling inspired and looking for non-intimidating ways to incorporate it into events and everyday life. After a quick peruse around Pinterest, I think I've found all the inspiration I need to start adding pops wherever I can!

Color Me {Poppy}

As we move into the hottest part of the summer here in Florida, it can only mean one thing, fall is near. And with cooler temperature just a few short months away, I'm holding on to every last bit of summer I can get. I'm definitely not ready to trade in bright show stopping shades of summer for their more subdued counterparts. One color combination I've fallen in love with this year is the mix of bright pinks, oranges, and corals. These hues, when mixed together, remind me of none other than a field of blooming poppies, both of which just seem to bring a smile to my face. Even if you don't have a field of poppies near you, you can make the room pop by using the colors in centerpieces, invitations, and other decor items like balloons, streamers, and linens. This rather girly color scheme would be perfect for a shower, birthday lunch, or any weekend gathering! 

Color Me {Cherry Blossom}

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a relaxing Easter weekend. I'm feeling inspired today by all the fresh blooms that are popping up. As I'm sitting here, I've got the doors and windows open and I'm reminded of the gorgeous cherry blossoms that bloom every spring up north. Their subtle mix of shades of pink is a beautiful sign that spring time is upon us. The soft hues give a lovely sense of elegance and romance. The color combination is great for outdoor spring soirees. Compliment with soft shades of white or cream to brighten the palette. Mix patterns in the same or coordinating hues to keep it interesting. Complete your cherry blossom inspired soiree with a centerpiece full of the beautiful bud or maybe even a headpiece strung with them! 

Color Me {Pink Flamingo}

Does anybody else remember those cheesy pink flamingo yard ornaments? I haven't seen them anywhere in years, but my grandmother used to have at least three or four in her yard at a time, and I loved them! Well, the other day I was in a store and spotted a pair in garnet and gold (for FSU of course). It instantly reminded me of their original pink counterparts that my grandmother loved so dearly. Ever since, I've been searching for a pair for memories sake, and can't seem to find them any where. While that is neither here nor there, it left me wishing to throw a summer bash with those cheesy pink flamingos as my inspiration. Their bright pink shade and vintage feel would make for some sure fire welcome to summer fun! Imagine 1950's style wicker furniture topped with bright pink cushions surrounding a glass top table topped with a boldly printed pink tablecloth. With orange centerpieces, guests will feel the flamingo vibe everywhere they look. Intermittently place pink flamingos all over the backyard and allow each guest to take one home as they leave. Encourage everyone to dawn their vintage swimwear and this will be a welcome to summer throw back none are soon to forget! 

Color Me: Raspberry

Happy Monday! How is everyone doing with the time change? I must admit I'm still a little tired. That's okay though because in my book it's officially spring! One of my favorite flavors and colors for spring is raspberry. The light, refreshing taste and vibrant hue are a wonderful welcome from the dull heaviness of winter. Pair the shade with light sky blue to allow it's vibrancy to really pop. Imagine rich raspberry florals atop a printed sky blue linen. Can you imagine the gorgeousness? Intensify the color by treating guests with raspberry flavored treats. Raspberry macaroon with a lemon filling is a light and refreshing dessert perfect for the season. Serve up champagne topped with a little fresh raspberry puree and a raspberry garnish and your guests will be screaming of spring as much as you and your soiree!

Color Me {Fuschia}

I've finally broken off my blue kick! I know it's taken awhile but I am branching out to a color that has always scared me a little because it is so bold, fuschia. I'm in love with how this color just pops against every surface. Whether it be in a bouquet, on a house, in your food, or on your feet, it illuminates every surface. It's a perfect shade to waken up all your winter blues and bloom into spring. This bold shade is perfect paired with navy, lime, gray, or white. Whatever color you pair it with, gives it a completely different feel. The lime accent will give off a preppy feel with the white let's the color shine all on its own. The navy brings a bit of nautical to the glam shade while the gray gives it a bit of a modern feel. Too scared to use it as the primary color for your soiree? Let is pop as the accent against colors that make you feel more comfortable. Whether as an accent or the show stopper, fuschia is the perfect shade for your spring soiree!

Color Me {Shades of Love}

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and it's no surprise that love has started to fill the air. Everywhere I go shade of pink and red seem to pop above all the rest. I remember Valentine's Day parties in school filled with hearts and candied treats for all. At the time it seemed so silly, yet still fun. But, as I get older, I can't help but want to return to the days when hearts galore filled the room and there were more sweet treats than I could eat. So, this Valentine's day, embrace the love. Fill your house with heart balloons and tissue paper cut outs. String the word "love" across the mantel and wear the shades of love from head to toe. It will be like your own little Valentine's party. Oh, and don't forget to show the one you love how much you care! 

How are you celebrating Valentine's Day this year?

All Wrapped Up {Pink and Peonies}

I've always believed that the way a gift is wrapped shows the person how much you care. It sounds strange, but if you through a gift into a gift bag, it seems a little last minute and rushed. However, if you take the time to wrap a gift and adorn it with a bow, it shows time, effort and consideration. But, if you are anything like me, you and wrapping paper just don't quite seem to get along. So, when it came to wrapping a gift for a friend's birthday, I resorted to some basic materials that I turned into a cute little wrapping! 

Thankfully, when I asked the store for a box, it was this lovely metallic silver, which provided the perfect starting layer. To top it off I used some hot pink twine I found at Lowe's (yes, the hardware store!) and a few sheets of white tissue paper. I started by wrapping the pink twine around the box creating a "ribbon" about an inch wide, then wrapping it again perpendicular to the first "ribbon". Adorn the top with a dainty tissue paper flower and it will be chicest gift you give all year!

This Party Inspired By...{Think Pink}

As I'm sure you all are aware, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It's something that hits home in my family and the families of a lot of people I know, and I think it's important to take the time to recognize this battle that so many people face and raise awareness for a cause that's incredibly important. And, of course, what better way to raise awareness and inspire those affected by breast cancer than with an all pink party! And since throwing a party for each and every one of you is a little out of the question, I'm doing something a little different. For every new follower, whether it be here on the blog, Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest, I will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  So, as we go through the rest of the month, remember those who are fighting breast cancer everyday and always Think Pink!

xo

Images: {Row 1} 1, 2, 3 {Row 2} 1, 2, 3, 4 {Row 3} 1, 2, 3

This Week I Feel...Bubbly

You may be wondering why this week I feel "bubbly" and have decked this post out in pink and gold. Well, for one reason of course! The pink and gold represent pink and regular champagne (bubbly!). And I'm sure you're wondering what has brought on the overflow of bubbly. Well, for a few reasons of course! One, because who doesn't love a glass of champagne every now and then (or everyday?) And because I have this new theory that everyday should be a day of celebration. I mean life's a party...plan accordingly. And there is nothing better to celebrate with than a glass of champagne! And lastly, because I'm moving apartments this week and that itself is reason for a celebratory toast (If you knew my current neighbors you would be this excited to move too!).  Plus, I love the color combo. It's just so romantic and girly! 

Now go and celebrate your Monday! xoxo

This Week I Feel...Pretty in Pink

So pretty, bright, and fun right? I got my original inspiration for today from the gorgeous pink hydrangeas I picked up the other day.  While I don't naturally gravitate towards the color, I have recently been craving to add hints of the vibrant shade everywhere! Try splashing it into flowers, cakes, drinks, linens, and even lighting. My personal opinion of pink, have it be your primary color and not mix it with others.  It's best used with neutrals when trying to make it a little more sophisticated and modern. How do you feel about pink?