COLORFUL GEM INSPIRED EVENT

I hope you each had a wonderful holiday weekend. To keep the magic going, here is a beautiful gem of a party to give you lots of inspiration in the New Year. The inspiration was taken from one of a girl's favorite places - her jewelry box!  The party decor uses brilliant shades of emerald, aquamarine, pearl and more, along with playful decor. This is such a fun theme and can be used for a bridal shower, bachelorette, Bat Mitzvah or birthday. Big thanks to Connecticut's Carla Ten Eyck Photography for sharing the photos with us.

Photographer:   Carla Ten Eyck Photography//Invitation Designer: Coral Pheasant//Makeup Artist: d.d.Nickel makeup studio//Cake Designer:Erica Obrien Cake design//Floral Designer: Green Dahlia//Hair Stylist: Jennie Kay//Event Planner: Jubilee Events//Linens and Coverings:La Tavola//Equipment Rentals: Rentals Unlimited//Lighting: Ryan Designs //Equipment Rentals: Ryan Designs//Bakery:Taste by Spellbound//Dress Store: The White Dress by the shore//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

HAPPY HOLIDAYS / OUR HOLIDAY CARD

Every year it's a bit of a creative challenge on what we're going to do for our holiday card. (Not doing one is NOT an option! ha ha) With photo booths being such a party craze this past year, this seemed like the idea to go with. One of my daughters wasn't too happy that she was cut out in most of the photos, but I tried to explain to her that's just part of the photo booth fun, and besides I post enough photos of her on Facebook, people know what she looks like!

I hope your holidays are filled with laughter and fun.

Best,
Rose Marie

CHRISTMAS PAPER LANTERN

I am always in awe when I see blogger tours of their elegant homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. How do they get it all done? So I really appreciate little projects like this that are easy but really add a nice festive touch to a living room or entrance. I found this pretty project via Craftberry Bush, but it was originally posted on eHow here. If you give it a try, let me know!

WREATH MAKING PARTY

While I was going through these photos I felt like I could actually smell the fresh scent of greenery. It immediately relaxed me! Get together with a few girlfriends to relax while putting together a plush green Christmas wreath. It'll be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. With Christmas just over a week away it's the perfect time so your wreath is nice and fresh. This get-together was hosted by Janelle, wedding industry florist expert, in her home studio (nice room, right?!) who taught participants how to make their own wreaths using boughs and pretty adornments. (Having them use rubber gloves is a smart tip!) Thanks to Calgary's GingerSnap Photography for taking and sharing the festive photos.

DREAMY FROZEN-INSPIRED TABLE FOR ADULTS

No doubt that the movie Frozen was thoroughly enjoyed by adults as much as kids. So it doesn't surprise me that Kirkbrides wedding planners took inspiration from the beloved fairytale for this styled shoot. Their inspiration came specifically from the Nordic culture that was worked into Frozen's setting with the teal, purple, white and blue color palette. The icy crystal branches overhead are magical. One very easy decor idea to take away from this styled shoot is the tall glass cylinders filled with colored water. I've actually used this idea for a spa party. It's budget friendly and makes a statement. The fuchsia chair bands add a nice luxurious touch and complements the hanging floral accents. Big thanks to photographer Cleveland photographer, Lauren Gabrielle, for taking and sharing the inspirational shoot with us.

Photographer:   Lauren Gabrielle Photography//Floral Designer:Blooms by Plantscaping //Design and Decor:Event Source//Event Planner: Kirkbrides//Event Planner: Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design//Linens and Coverings:L'Nique Specialty Linen Rental//Other:Lauren Gabrielle Photography//Specialty Foods: Lilly Handmade Chocolate//Cake Designer: Luna Bakery & Cafe//Lighting: Rock The House//Location: The Tudor Arms Hotel//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

ITALIAN WEDDING SHOOT FEATURING RICH COLORS AND VIEWS

Hello! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. We didn't travel this year, so I was very glad to have some downtime to just get a few home projects done and start getting ready for Christmas. However, before we leap into the winter holiday season, let's enjoy this beautiful backyard wedding that took place in Italy. Can you imagine waking up to these views?!  Submitted by Perugia's Sugar Cookies Photography, this styled photo shoot features pumpkins, apples, rich colors and other natural decor that only the fall provides.

Photographer:   Sugar Cookies//Reception Venue: Casa Bruciata: Home in Italy//Event Designer: Dream On Wedding Planner//Floral Designer: Roberta Turco Fiorista//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

DIY GLAMPING PARTY

Sophia was turning 8--that young age when a girl starts to really enjoy doing things like her nails and hair, but at the same time still loves playing in the dirt. A glamping party seemed like the perfect way to celebrate--combining the girly with the rustic. How fun are the food ideas?! And the florals that adorn the birthday girl's tent are a beautiful touch. Thank you to Georgia's Everything Lovely for sharing the glam details with us!

Photographer:   Everything Lovely Photography//Floral Designer: My Floral Bliss//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

PINTEREST WIN: "GIVE THANKS" BLOCKS

I wasn't planning on sharing this project on the blog, but I received so many questions and engagement when I posted it on my personal Facebook page, I thought I better!

A few weeks ago I hosted a craft night with some new gal pals. I needed to do something fairly easy but have it also be something we could actually use. I had pinned this project from Crystal and Co. quite a while ago. You can find the full directions here. She makes the project super easy because she provides the printables for free! There were no stencils to use or vinyl to cut. The most work was actually done by my husband who helped me cut the wood into blocks and I sanded down the edges.

The one thing I will warn you about is make sure not to use too much Mod Podge underneath the printables, otherwise you'll get bad bubbles. You just need a thin coat underneath and on top to adhere them onto the blocks.

I have my blocks on the mantle and love it! Another one of the ladies has them on a side table in her entryway and it looks great. Such a nice greeting for guests!

There is still time to give it a try. Happy Thanksgiving!

BRINNER FOR AN 18th BIRTHDAY!

What do you do when your favorite meal is breakfast, but you're too old for a sleepover party? And let's face it, brunch is not gonna get teenagers out of bed! Make brinner - breakfast for dinner! Friends celebrated Mackenzie's 18th birthday by feasting on waffles, donuts, chocolate milk and other favortie goodies that are traditionally for breakfast – for dinner! They burned the carbs with a game of volleyball, dancing and smacking a pinata! And what about the money cake? I think anyone would be happy to get that, at any age! Big thanks to Texas photographer, Megan Kay Photography, for sharing the yummy details with us!