Pretty Flowers

Last week I made some pretty, fabric flowery thingys with a template I found on Martha Stewart's web-site. Click here if you're interested in making some too!

Valentines'

I love a good homemade Valentine. I spotted these adorable ones last year on one of my favorite blogs, Lovely Design. I think her two year old's scribbles inside the heart are a sweet touch and I think glassine envelopes are just cool. However, am I the only one who thinks that some homemade things are just too nice to give away, especially to little kids? Yeah. I think these Valentines' definitely fall into that category. The homemade-things-that-are-too-nice-to-give-away-especially-to-little-kids category.

Pom Pom Goodness

For the love of all that is fluffy and good in this world! I tell ya, Anthropologie's styling gets me every. single. time. I'm thinking the time has come again to make a few of these and hang them around my house. It could definitely be the cure I need for the winter doldrums.

P.S. You can see the tutorial I posted awhile back (right here) if you are interested in making your own pretty poms.

(Image via Anthropologie)

Flower Garland

I love this beautiful fabric flower garland. I've probably mentioned this before but I'm a total sucker for pretty things that float above my head: lanterns, tissue paper pom poms, garlands and the like.

{By Dolci Odille via Oh Joy!}

Flowers

I love that the house we are renting has a variety of flowers that are perfect for cut arrangements. Fresh flowers make for one happy chica.

Calligraphy

Loving the look of calligraphy lately. It's so pretty the way it seems to effortlessly glide across a page - truly a form of art. I'm wishing I had taken the calligraphy set my mom bought me for Christmas when I was twelve a little more seriously.

Photo credit- Top: Emilie Friday's Calligraphy, Bottom: Love, Jenna

Poms

I really, really want an excuse to hang these fluffy poms up somewhere.

(Pom Love via Oh Joy!)

Calendar

I still haven't purchased a 2009 wall calendar, which is very out of character for me. I have been given or purchased the Mary Engelbreit calendar every year since I was in 8th grade but I think I'd like something a little more grown up this year. Although it's a little pricey, I'm especially liking this one by Snow and Graham. It's just so pretty.

(If you still haven't purchased a calendar...you can find a compilation of aesthetically pleasing designs here and here.)

Stuck Labels

Oh how I love projects that involve pretty labels. If you are also a label-lover, check out this brand new company: Stuck Labels. The designs are simple but clever and the prices are affordable. The creative gal behind one of my favorite blogs, Oh Happy Day, is also the founder of the company. Check out her post on the company's launch with lots of other pretty pictures here.

Suzy Jack

I'm enjoying this calendar by Suzy Jack that also doubles as a pretty wall display.

{Via Laura Loves}

The Perfect Tailgate

Now this is my idea of the perfect tailgate party although I'm sure Jared would prefer something a little less refined and more manly. :) But, regardless of whether you'll be tailgating this weekend, I hope you all enjoy cheering on your team of choice with the official start of college football season. (Go Bucks!)

{Photo styling by Paul Lowe via Frolic}

Flower Arrangement

Although I realize fresh flowers are a frivolous expense, it makes me very happy when I have an arrangement of them in my home. I don't buy them often, but occasionally Aldi has some decent options for only $2.99 for a small mixed arrangement or 1/2 dozen roses. I lucked out today with the plum-ish purple, lime green and white mixture because I think it goes well with my homemade vase- an empty formula can with a fresh coat of avocado green paint from my kitchen project and a coordinating grosgrain ribbon. (Really. Can anything be made worse by adding a pretty ribbon?) I have been saving my extra formula cans because I think little arrangements like these would make fun hostess, birthday, thank you or just because-types of gifts.

Heather Bailey

Lots of pretty fabric and patterns in Heather Bailey's on-line store. I'm adding that cute little handbag with the fabric flower to my project list. Check out her blog, Hello My Name is Heather, for more colorful inspiration.

French Knot Embroidered Duvet

I am usually a fan of more simple bedding but this vintage-looking french knot duvet is oh so lovely.

Little Zoo

I love this Little Zoo collection of Polaroids by Elizabeth Soule. Definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.

Summer Solstice

You know those really fun parties I'm always planning but never actually throwing? This is one of them. I really want to have a summer solstice party to celebrate the longest day of the year. I want it to include a big back yard with lots of white lanterns like this, good friends, live music and really yummy food.

(Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.)

I Love/Hate Letterpress

Okay, so I'm not getting married anytime soon and I'm not having another baby anytime soon. I should also mention that I would most likely have to sell the baby who's birth I was announcing to pay for these BUT that doesn't stop me from looking. Letterpress, why do you have to be so beautiful and desirable, yet so expensive and out of my reach? I love you and I hate you.
(For more lovely letterpress eye candy click on the Bella Figura link below.)

Bella Figura via Oh Happy Day.

It's No Free Spirit...

but these Jorg & Olif Dutch bikes are pretty cool, pretty expensive and well...just plain pretty! (The fact that it was featured in a J.Crew catalog helps. They have a way of making everything look pretty.) So, if you are looking to invest some cash in a bike that looks classic but is actually nice and new, this may be the bike for you.

(Photo courtesy of J.Crew)

Easy Gift Idea

I love giving pineapples as gifts. With their exotic look and delightful taste, they are a refreshing alternative to a plate of cookies at Christmas. However, they also perform well when given as a hostess or birthday gift. And while this fruit can market its self, I don't think anything can be made worse by adding a pretty bow and a nice note. (They also make great centerpieces!)

Fun Envelopes

Who wouldn't love to see a pretty little envelope like this amongst the boring bills and junk mail? Paper Source is a great resource for fun envelopes, stationary and all things paper. (It's also pretty easy to make your own using scrapbook or wrapping paper.)