Bella by Karah

food...books...and cards!

2011-12-12T16:24:00.000-06:00

*Sharing photos of some of our recent eats/snacks/favorites!

I just bought this book & it's amazing!! I can't put it down! It really touches on gratitude and bringing out creativity within your children! {I'm highlighting it as I read it!}

*and I just ordered this book on Amazon!

This week I got an order for baby shower invites!

These are actually postcards.

Gotta love a cowboy theme!:)

This will be my fourth year making Christmas cards for a landscaping company in Naperville, Illinois. I designed and printed 150 cards & envelopes.

{front}

{inside}

We do a charity program thru Doug's work every year, called "Christmas Cherubs."

This year we got a brother & sister (ages 3 and 4.) Each child needs 3 gifts.

I wrapped them & labeled them and an extremely kind lady at Doug's work,

delivers these gifts to the families in need!

Doug and I are looking for volunteer opportunities in Kansas City, this holiday season!

A friend asked me to create notecards as gifts. I did 12 of each design.

*Plan to mail our holiday cards tomorrow! :)

I found classes for the kids! The winter classes at the Blue Valley Rec. start in Jan. I plan to sign myself up for a pilates class! Evan will take an art class with me and Brynn and I will take a swimming class! Can't wait! We love this rec. center..it's where Evan took his gymnastics class!

CHEERS TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

I hope your home is filled with love and joy!

XOXO, Karah

Shoes & Other Things!

2011-11-09T16:58:00.000-06:00

______________________________________________

My mom bought Brynn a pair of TOMS shoes! When you buy a pair, the company gives a pair to a child in need. The packing is so neat, giving you a bag for the shoes & a sticker! I love the back with the TOMS tag sewn on!

I picked up a pair of MISSONI shoes for Brynn at Target! These were way too too cute to pass up! I wish they had them in my size!:) As the inventory goes down, I think the line is going on clearance! :) Time to stock up before it's gone for good!

The pink mocassins are so warm & so precious (the inside is faux leopard fur!:) And the boots are my favorite! Brynn looks ADORABLE in them! You can pull up the sides for a taller boot, or turn them down, for the faux fur to show!:)

I placed an order for this fabric from Spoon Flower!

I spent quite some time on the site...just lovin' all the different fabric!

I picked this out, in particular, because it's similar to David Hicks "La Fiorentina" fabric,

which I DROOL over when I come across it in design magazines! I wanted this fabric for above my kitchen sink..a lil' homemade curtain..but I ordered quilting weight (not-knowing-what-I-was-doing) and so I need to find another use for it, being SO thin!

These are my dream pillows, by David Hicks. I LOVE this pattern!

I picked up this cutie-patootie cookbook and reminded me of Brynn.

It's so colorful and has tons of yummy looking recipes!

I used fresh rosemary on red potatoes and it was so good, and made the house smell so good! We had asparagus and farm-raised tilapia with them! Everyday around 5 pm, I put on my trusty "Williams Sonoma" pink apron and try to whip up something healthy (& tasty) for the fam! It's been a process, but I have COME TO LOVE COOKING and BEING IN THE KITCHEN! Practice pays off!:)

A good snack that I've made a couple times is spinach & artichoke dip. I loved these MU chips I found at "Price Chopper." I use 2 boxes of "Stauffers" cream of spinach, and add a can of artichoke hearts and top it off with parmesan cheese! IT-IS-SO-GOOD!

My recent Bella by Karah project is working with the event manager at THE BERG! The lovely space where Doug & I had our vow renewal party! I am created the space's personal stationery, as well as, a postcard for them to mail to brides. Here is one of the designs I presented to them.

I have been keeping 3 plants alive in our house! (2/3 are shown here.) I love having something green and lively in each room. One day, we'll do a garden (the kids would love it too!)

A friend I met at Univ. of Iowa, asked me to create baby shower invites, and that they be gender neutral. So I did orange paisley & elephants (which I can never resist!:)

{Thank you for continued support, Emily. You are a top customer at BBK!}

I've used this orange dahlia flower & quite a few invites I have done this fall. These were for a wedding shower.

Brynn was a lil' puppy for Halloween! This was Evan's "Pottery Barn" costume from last year (They have the CUTEST costumes!) Evan wanted NOTHING to do with dressing up this year..but Brynn will wear any accessory...a hat, scarf, sunglasses, bows.SHE IS ALL GIRL!:)

My lil' boo boo is not feeling the best! Praying it's nothing! He's been extra cuddly and sleeping in. Trying to keep him hydrated and giving him fever reducer! xoxoxo Evan Michael!

Cheers to 3 years! Doug & I had the best party on November 1st, 2008!

What a magical night with our family & friends!

Signing off...enjoy your week! Love, Karah

Nell Hills and other things!

2011-10-14T10:51:00.028-05:00

I decided I needed something with a botanical feel for my house. I used kraft paper from Michaels and white acrylic paint.

This is what I came up with..a white fern on khaki. I put one on the kids toy/book shelf in our "den."

And the other one on our mantel.

Dinner one night this week was farfalle pasta with butternut squash sauce and tomato basil foccacia. {Doug enjoyed this very much!}

My "Nell Hills" purchases. 3 horn frames and fabric remnants! I am in love with this store! After Doug listened to me go on and on about how much I loved it...he said "Do you want to go to the one in Atchison?" So we may be headed there sometime to check out that lil' town and do some shopping!

fabric piece used as a table runner.

check it...DURALEE!!!!!! {Good stuff.} This remnant was $3!!

Another fabric remnant from Nell Hills, being used as a table runner.

Two more new cookbooks to add to my collection!

I found another Penguin classic book at TJ MAXX! Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen!

Brynn was 13 months on Oct. 7th! She's so sweet & so fun!
{Working on her 1 year pics now!}

TGIF! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

XO, Karah

www.bellabykarah.com / www.bellabykarah.blogspot.com

I love autumn!

2011-10-03T12:47:00.000-05:00

Fall is here! My favorite time of year! I love sweaters, boots, jeans, Halloween, Thanksgiving, pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks & attempting to make or bake fall-ish type food and treats!

Our front step.

These are my new purchases from Francescas! I LOVE THAT STORE! They had a sale (buy 1 article of clothing, get the 2nd 1/2 off!) I thought these were good for a fall wardrobe. I was imagining all of them with my camel-knee-high-Steve-Madden-boots!:) -->except of course the striped number will be worn with jeans AND the boots!

"The best part of waking up." These two yummy things, are an attempt to make my own pumpkin spice lattes at home!
DEE-LISH!

My NEW cookbooks! Can't wait to attempt some new meals!

Planning to make the pumpkin spice cookies this week. Brynn likes "Ella's Kitchen," squeezable treats when we're on the go (they're MOSTLY no-mess and look at that flavor...sweet potatoe, pumpkin, apples AND blueberries!) Evan & Brynn are both loving "Earth's Best" pop snax in sweet potatoe cinnamon!

I bought a new light for above our kitchen sink (purchased at Home Depot.) It matches our sink hardware perfectly! I also did a "no-sew" curtain/shade above the sink. I loved that fabric (found at JoAnn Fabrics.) I bought a yard and a half and hung it with clips at the top on the curtain rod and pinned up the sides.

Here are some invitations I did for a local wedding. An orange dahlia-type flower is fitting for a fall wedding!

My fab-find at TJ MAXX! A penguin classic, Little Women! I wanted to collect the fabric covered classics for Brynn. I had seen them at Anthropologie for $20 and I found this for $12.99! I hope to find more at other TJ's

I would LOVE to find some khaki/orange pillows like these! I looked on etsy.com and will continue to keep my eye out!
I want to throw more orange accents into my kitchen and family room!

I did end up buying ONE THING at Target from the Missoni line! This cosmetic bag, which I love. Many times I had more in my cart, but for some reason I always ended up putting everything back!? BUT this lil' guy made it all the way to the check-out!

Brynn turns 1!

2011-09-19T09:28:00.001-05:00

My princess turned 1 on September 7th! We had her party the following Sunday! We had a blast! The party was at my parents house with our family & friends! Brynn has brought so much joy to our family & seeing her and Evan interact is my favorite gift!

2011-08-30T17:25:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday, I participated in "Head for the Cure" race! It was such an awesome event. Our team, Sullivan's Sunflowers, was in honor of Susan Sullivan! A strong, beautiful woman, who happens to be one of my best friend's Mom!

2011-08-25T16:28:00.004-05:00

I went to "Pier 1" on Sunday & I had not been in there forever! I found this slipcover and saw it marked $15 on clearance! What a find! When I go to the counter, the salesperson told me it had been marked wrong, but he'd give me the sticker price! It was SUPPOSED to be $59! I am using it to cover my desk chair right now!

I have been doing some projects that don't require me to sew. I made two window treatments using ribbon and fabric. Although, this image of a no-sew window treatment looks better than mine!

I also like this sign and mobile and could do something like this in Brynn's room. Right now I have a "Z Gallerie" print above her crib. (I can't help myself...I love to change things around in our house every few days, weeks, months...whenever the mood strikes!)

2011-08-24T11:24:00.016-05:00

For years I've collected images from magazines. It started in 7th grade, when I'd clip and paste stuff I found in magazines, and store in a binder. I called them "Fashion books." In more recent years, I had sorted them all by categories, and labeled each binder. I had one for travel, fashion, beauty, wedding ideas & interior design. Then along came, PINTEREST! It's what I had been doing for years, only now on the web! I could not have been more excited! It's a great way to catalog your interests and images you love. It's so much more than that, with tutorials on how to upholster furniture, tips on photography and recipes! It's my new addiction! Here is a link to my boards on PINTEREST.

http://pinterest.com/karahb77/

{below is one of the binders, where I've collected my images.)

and here is a great idea, I got from Pinterest....to frame a scarf! I love this suzani print! So now I am on the lookout for one just like this to frame for our family room OR Brynn's room!:)

2011-05-19T21:51:00.003-05:00

As Rachel Zoe would say, "I die!"

{Can be found here: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/106127 }

2011-05-16T08:13:00.007-05:00

My parents surprised me with a new camera on Mother's Day! I am in love with it!
It has filters, as you take the photos, whereas before, I was altering my photos in picnik.com {which I still use & love!} But this elimates a lot of the photo editing I was doing before! Here are a a couple pics from Mother's Day!

2011-02-26T18:31:00.003-06:00

I was THRILLED today, to finally find out what a "Juju hat" is! I have had a clipping in my design file folder for awhile now. In one of my interior decorating magazines, someone had an odd looking "fluffy thing" hanging on their wall, in a bright pink color and I fell in love with it! I've wondered ever since, what this odd thing was and how I could get my hands on one, to use in our house! Today I was watching "Dear Genevieve" on HGTV and she showed the exact bright pink one that I've been lusting after for awhile now! Here is the description:
The Juju hat is found throughout the Cameroon, and is worn by prominent members of society, as well as the Juju dancers in West Africa. The intricate design of the feathers is sewn onto a tight raffia base and covered with wood and cloth material. This type of weave is a painstaking process, and the way it neatly folds is rather remarkable. The Juju is evidence of a fine, unique and skillful weaving from West Africa using old world techniques. Each hat is made by a group of four artisans and takes a couple of days to make.
They are extremely popular with interior designers as they are used as an accessory for the home.They have been featured in numerous home design magazines.

2011-02-18T11:50:00.002-06:00

One of my "Bella by Karah" customers sent me these lovely flowers as a thank you! What a NICE surprise!!! :) When flowers get delivered on a random Tuesday...the excitement of not knowing who they were from, was SO MUCH FUN! {Thank you, Miss Amy Rocha!}

2011-02-18T11:42:00.003-06:00

Evan turned 2 yesterday! We took him to the DR. in the morning for his 2 year check up! Then we hit "Dean & Deluca" for breakfast! My mom & I both bought him the same book, "The night you were born." It's the sweetest book I've seen! I'll save the one I bought for Brynn!:) The past 2 years have been such a fun journey with Evan. He brings us so much joy, love & laughter!

2011-02-14T08:58:00.001-06:00

Free picture collage made with Smilebox

2011-02-08T14:19:00.002-06:00

If you're looking for some yummy valentine's day cookies, my friend, Tami, is your go-to girl! She bakes delicious cookies! They're super cute and she does a great job on the packaging as well! You can find her and her cookies at www.stylemesweet.com

2011-01-28T12:05:00.004-06:00

I bought these sweet little "trumpette" shoes last night & since they're for a boy (b/c of the shoe laces) and evan's way over this size..i decided to replace the blue shoelaces with pink and orange ribbon, so brynn can wear them!:)

2011-01-21T12:35:00.005-06:00

I love this "McIntosh" dress, from www.spool72.com!
The jewelry, the dresses and bags are SO cute!
I might be placing an order...good stuff for spring!:)

2011-01-14T10:20:00.002-06:00

Little Brynn just turned 4 months! She loves when we talk to her and loves watching older brother, Evan! He is very sweet to her and loves to give her, her pacifier when it falls out! :)

2010-11-03T23:51:00.000-05:00

Evan after we were done "trick or treating." :)

2010-11-03T23:49:00.001-05:00

It was Brn's first halloween! Our neighborhood had a party in our cul-de-sac for the kids. There was chilli, desserts and spiced cider (which my husband made) and had to carefully mark it "for adults only." :) Good times! Evan was a puppy and it was a real challenge getting him to keep the head piece part on! oh well..he was still adorable and had SUCH a good time!

2010-10-21T15:16:00.002-05:00

I found this lovely handmade boat and I WANT IT for Evan's room. It would match perfectly! This one is sold!:(

2010-07-27T22:07:00.002-05:00

I WANT this rug, by Amy Butler! It would look FAB in Brynn's nursery!

2010-06-23T10:29:00.002-05:00

I LOVE everything on www.rikshawdesign.com website. I saw some of her stuff at a store called, GIGGLE, when we were in San Francisco in May. I love her elephant printed quilt. I am going for a paisley theme in Brynn's nursery!

2010-06-23T10:12:00.002-05:00

I imagine myself dressing up with Brynn everyday! (I said IMAGINE!:)
I love Kayce Hughes' website and clothing!

2010-06-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

LOVE this table setting. My colors. I am in the mood to throw a party!:)

2010-06-16T10:00:00.003-05:00

I just did an order for a new mom. We did the "chic" birth announcements and her mother contacted me today about ordering some calling cards. Thanks Juli and Toni!:)
I drew this chic, which I keep refining. Wanted to use this announcement for Brynn this fall, but we're probably going to use an elephant, instead of a chic. :)

2010-06-14T17:01:00.001-05:00

I usually want one of each of everything when I look thru the Layla Grace website!
ESPECIALLY the home furnishings section! I LOVE this chair on the homepage right now!
We're in the market for a new rocker, this fall, for when our baby girl arrives...but
eventually we'll update our family room furniture!

2010-06-14T16:58:00.003-05:00

Doug bought us each a pair of "Serengetti" sunglasses. WE LOVE THEM!
I could swear mine are prescription, they're so crystal clear to look thru!
My nicest pair of sunglasses, are a pair of Marc Jacobs, given to me by a friend...and they fell off my face all the time. The others were always
"Isaac Mizrahi" from Target...so, trust me, I am LOVIN' these new ones!
Thanks DP!:)

2010-06-08T12:14:00.004-05:00

I am 25 weeks pregnant with our sweet baby, Brynn! We can't wait to meet her and have Evan become a big brother! It's hard not to go crazy buying girlie clothes!
This is one of my faves I've purchased so far!:)

2010-03-30T18:56:00.002-05:00

I ordered some very cute labels for my orders from: www.sweetsanity.etsy.com
Kerry is so sweet and has so many options for stickers, labels, etc.
I LOVE ordering from etsy.com, it's great to support other crafty women! :)
Here are the labels I saw on her page and had mine changed to brown, ivory & pink with BELLA BY KARAH. LOVE THEM..thanks, Kerry!

2010-02-17T13:08:00.004-06:00

Today is Evan Michael's first birthday!
He has brought so much love & joy into our lives!
Each and every morning his smile makes my heart melt!
We're taking him to "Monkey Business" today,
so he can run around & play! Then tonight,
we'll take him to SPIN PIZZA to celebrate!

2010-02-13T09:44:00.003-06:00

Overland Park, Kansas –February 13, 2010 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Bella by Karah has been selected to receive the WeddingWire 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for custom wedding invitations.

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

Bella by Karah is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

We are happy to announce that ella by Karah is among the very best custom wedding invitations within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/bella-by-karah-kansas-city/5eb785ff69edc0c3.html

2009-11-29T22:10:00.002-06:00

I love all white bedrooms. This is so dreamy!

2009-11-29T22:10:00.001-06:00

This is the sweater I wore on Thanksgiving day!

2009-11-29T22:08:00.000-06:00

I NEED this lamp for my house! :)

2009-11-29T22:06:00.000-06:00

The holiday storefront at ANTHROPOLOGIE is gorgeous right now! I wanted everything in the store too..the candles, perfumes, sweaters, tea towels and books!

2009-11-29T22:04:00.000-06:00

This is my new "amythest" mohair throw, by Nate Berkus (and the pillow USED to be a placemat, until my mother-in-law turned it into a pillow for me!)

2009-11-04T12:52:00.000-06:00

Stella Mccartney (one of my fave designers) has paired up with Gap Kids..I can NOT wait to get Evan some new duds!

2009-11-04T12:04:00.001-06:00

2009-11-03T12:20:00.001-06:00

This would be my dream entryway! I love a bright mauve/pink with chocolate brown! And the mirror is fabulous..I have one similar to this..but my "entryway" is too small for it!

2009-11-03T12:18:00.001-06:00

Evan was a lion for his 1st Halloween (although he looks more like popeye in this photo..we were laughing so hard when he kept making this face!)

2009-10-31T16:56:00.000-05:00

I ordered this necklace online & just got it in the mail today..cant wait to wear it out tonight!:)

2009-10-28T20:05:00.008-05:00

I was on the J. Crew website today & found some fabulous things in the 'sale' section..so I might run to the store near my house!

2009-10-28T20:05:00.001-05:00

I found these baby booties on Etsy.com and if we have a girl next..I MUST own these for my lil' one!:)

2009-10-19T21:09:00.001-05:00

I have been SOOO into chevron print lately! I am searching for a fabric similar to this to cover a chair with! AND I saw this pillow at "Home Goods" but didn't buy it..I am hitting myself now!:(

2009-10-19T20:40:00.001-05:00

I wish I could raid Sienna Miller's closet! I love this dress! I am so into mauves right now (dresses, pillows, artwork!)

2009-10-19T20:26:00.000-05:00

Our next house project is working on the kitchen & I am obsessed with looking for a backsplash! LOVE THIS KITCHEN!

2009-10-19T20:20:00.002-05:00

I went over to a friends house on Sat. night & Doug watched Evan...so this is a photo of me kissing boo-boo good-bye! I missed him!

2009-10-18T13:54:00.003-05:00

We used "Blue Bouquet" florists (here in Kansas City) for our vow renewal last year! I can't say enough good things about Drue & Neil! They are SO creative, SO nice and SO crafty!:) I adore this cake with fresh hot pink flowers & this boutenierre! Their site is here: www.bluebouquet.com

2009-10-18T13:41:00.001-05:00

I love pink & khaki together! One of my fave color combos. This stylish bag is on my wish list! It's a design by Tory Burch!

2009-10-18T13:40:00.001-05:00

I want thick hair like this! (And I'll take these sunglasses & the coat too!:)

2009-10-14T19:42:00.002-05:00

Evan wanted to go to Paris with Mimi & Grandad..he even had his passport ready to go! He's missing them already! :(

2009-10-14T19:39:00.001-05:00

My new espresso cups! Cheetah print! So glam!:)

2009-10-14T19:38:00.001-05:00

I love this outfit! I saw a blazer when shopping the other night..I should have bought it!!!! Maybe I'll go back & see if it's still there..so I can wear something like this (although..no shorts..jeans for me!:)

2009-10-10T21:20:00.001-05:00

I want this "maharam" print pen. I am obsessed with this pattern..I found it on amazon.com.

2009-10-08T22:21:00.001-05:00

I LOVE THIS CAR!:) A vintage mercedes seems like a good company car, for "Bella by Karah." I am into white cars! (I copied the image from Urban Grace.) www.urbangrace.com

2009-10-08T17:32:00.002-05:00

I found the next car for my dad! :) We all love the color orange in our family ( I mean, come on, we had the guys wear orange "Converse" tennis shoes at our wedding (to match my orange flowers & the guys' orange ties!) Soooo I was thinking my dad should get this car & pass it down to Evan! (Thoughts, Dad????:)

2009-10-08T15:15:00.002-05:00

This is a gorgeous nursery! I plan to hang a "shabby chic" chandelier somewhere in our house, as I've already bought it. I am thinking if we have another baby (not if, when!:) I'd love to make a super classy nursery for my bebe girl (fingers crossed I have a girlie girl next!:)

2009-10-08T15:13:00.001-05:00

I love trellis print & I found this exact pattern as duvet cover at "Marshalls" for $15. I plan to cover a chair like these, or use the duvet in Evan's room when he gets his "big boy" bed.

2009-10-08T15:11:00.001-05:00

Evan in the kitchen..he loves to be in there while I am in there, making coffee in the morning. Love bebes in pajamas!!

2009-10-08T15:09:00.001-05:00

Evan outside of "Zest" with the pumpkins. He was having a blast! I can't wait to go to a pumpkin patch with him this year...stay tuned for his first ever halloween costume, later this month!

2009-10-08T15:07:00.001-05:00

One of my bestest friends and her sister, are off to Punta Cana, Domican Republic for a vacation! Bon Voyage!

Safe travels Nicholle & Rachael! Send me a postcard!:)

2009-10-08T15:04:00.002-05:00

I love this button down shirt and this flower pin! I have a pin like this in ivory. But I'd love to get my hands on this duo! (My mother in law is a fabulous seamstress and I've asked her to do a few sewing projects for me!) I bet she could make a flower pin like this for me! :)

2009-10-08T15:02:00.000-05:00

I love pink! I want it in every room in my house, but I will hold back, as I live with 2 boys!:)

2009-10-08T15:00:00.002-05:00

I want this print!
I really would like this on a bright pink pillow!

2009-10-08T14:57:00.003-05:00

My boo-boo is changing & growing right before my very eyes! Here is a recent pic (and one of my faves!)

Evan is really attached to his Grandad.

My parents leave for their European adventure VERY soon and they will be missed!

Evan follows my dad everywhere and watches him like a hawk! When My dad is around, I am chopped liver! They're best buds!

2009-10-06T10:46:00.008-05:00

I love to decorate! I change our house around constantly (My husband makes fun of me!) I was drawn to these three photos below....

2009-08-17T21:08:00.003-05:00

Doug & I celebrated our 1 year anniversary on Aug. 16th. We went to dinner at NORTH and saw "The Time Traveler's Wife," what a tearjerker! We also celebrated Evan Michael's 6 month birthday on Aug. 17th! Cheers to our lil' sweetie bird!

2009-05-26T22:29:00.001-05:00

I am forever getting ideas for decorating our house! We saw barstools at Target tonight that we'll go back & get, now that we have our measurements! So our kitchen will have a small udpate after we get those! I'd like a new light above the sink too! And we plan to invest in a "high-top" table eventually as well. To add a modern touch to our kitchen and we think it'll be better for entertaining! I love this photo of a white kitchen with all the dark accents!

2009-02-26T22:08:00.001-06:00

I'm a mommy! Evan arrived on Feb. 17th! We love our lil' sweetie bird!

2009-01-02T08:03:00.004-06:00

Our sweet baby boy has his nursery all set for his arrival. (We do need to get a few more things, but getting his crib made it feel more complete. We went for the most neutral colors to keep it calming & simple for our lil' sweetie bird! Hootie is also sooo excited for Evan's arrival! :)

2009-01-01T17:27:00.007-06:00

Now that we're in our house...... I am constantly decorating & rearranging!:)

I found inspiration in some of the following photos...

2008-11-04T16:35:00.011-06:00

Life is but a dream!

November 1st marks the most magical moment of my life as I renewed my vows with Doug.

I collected a small group of flowers from my closest friends, which made up my bouquet. As I hugged each girl, I felt their love and support, as we each exchanged a few sweet words! I was ultimately taking a special part of them into my life with Doug. My friendships with these girls will always be cherished and were deepened during this moment they gave me flowers, which was a gesture of giving & recieving. Looking into Doug's eyes and renewing my vows with him, overwhelmed me with so much joy! I have found the person who truly embraces every part of my heart & soul! I have and will always have a crush on Doug. He brings such love and happiness to my life! We were surrounded by our friends & family in an intimate ceremony.

I will always hold that moment so close to my heart and the memory of that day still lingers on...

(The 2 songs on my blog were played by friends of ours at the wedding. Forever was our first dance & Northern Sky is the song played as I collected the flowers from each of my friends.)

2008-10-01T14:31:00.002-05:00

http://www.indieshopping.com/spotlight-fall-08/?dept=3

*If you click on that link above, my website was featured on the INDIE SHOPPING GUIDE'S Fall Spotlight on emerging designers. It's a site that supports independent designers!

2008-09-11T19:48:00.001-05:00

My friends surprised me last Saturday & took me to ARTichokes. An art studio where we all got to create our own 8x10 painting! It was such a great idea!

2008-08-26T23:00:00.005-05:00

Give me your forever....

2008-08-18T14:19:00.003-05:00

The day after we were married, we took a blanket to Loose Park and layed in the grass for hours, just enjoying each others company...

2008-08-18T12:03:00.008-05:00

On the 16th of August, I married the best person I know! Doug & I were married in a private ceremony in a wooded area near my parents home. It was the most beautiful day! I hung onto every word as the judge married us. Looking into Doug's eyes and becoming his wife overwhelmed me with the most joy I've ever felt! Knowing he'll be by my side in this journey we call life, is more than I could have ever asked for! Doug inspires me to be a better person and growing with him is what I look forward to the most..as well our family that is growing as I type this!:)

2008-08-11T22:36:00.002-05:00

Eden is a darling shop in Des Moines! The owner, Jennifer is sooo nice! It's a very unique store with high end bath products, candles and a small, but sweet baby section! It's all white washed and def. worth checking out if you're in the area! The website is: www.edeniowa.com

2008-08-10T21:57:00.002-05:00

Doug & I will get married this Saturday by a judge! We are so excited! Here are the invitations I made for the small family ceremony we are having!

2008-06-24T22:49:00.001-05:00

The save-the-date cards I created for Doug & I. The date will be here before we know it! :)

2008-06-24T22:40:00.000-05:00

I love to make bathrooms look "romantic" and girlie! (especially pedstal sinks.)

2008-06-24T22:38:00.001-05:00

Love the idea of a map/wallpaper on a child's wall. Very classy & adds an old world touch!

2008-06-03T03:38:00.002-05:00

Doug & I are engaged as of Memorial Day weekend. The planning has been so exciting so far. We'll set a date by the end of the week. Our celebration will be the icing on the cake, as he's reminded me that we have a good thing going already!

2008-05-08T01:53:00.001-05:00

I need to plan a vacation to a tropical locale,

so I can buy this gift set from Calypso! I love the colors too!

2008-05-05T14:02:00.008-05:00

www.mibelleinc.com is a wedding photographer, based out of California. {But travels worldwide.} When you go to the site, you'll see such amazing photos that really capture the moment! I've been in contact with Michelle, who is so nice! {Read in the "about"section, just how passionate she is about what she does!} Check out her site & comment back on what you liked! The children's photos are too cute for words!

2008-05-02T11:46:00.001-05:00

Green weddings are the environmentally friendly way to conduct your special day.
I adore the color green, as is! I think a wedding in Napa would drip with romance and
allllllllllllll the wine........delish!

2008-03-04T10:52:00.004-06:00

Meredith Melling Burke (from Vogue) has such a great sense of fashion & I adore her looks..here are a few...

2008-03-04T10:49:00.001-06:00

I added new designs to my website (including this zebra print bachelorette party invite.)

2008-02-17T14:21:00.003-06:00

I was in London, summer of 2006. I explored the city with my friend, Lindsay & my brother, Bryce. We had quite an adventure! We ate at HAKKASAN. As we'd all three agree, it was by far the coolest restaraunt (or place) we'd ever been! If you're there, you must try it! The entry is hidden in an alley...very chic and upscale, with a lounge feel!

2008-02-17T14:15:00.002-06:00

Frida Giannini is the creative director at Gucci. I love her pink jacket in this photo! At shopvogue.tv you can watch the story behind the luxury brand!

2008-02-16T09:38:00.001-06:00

I fell in love with these shoes when I tried them on at Urban Outfitters! Thought they'd look great with jeans or capris in the summer!

2008-02-16T09:37:00.001-06:00

Clean perfume is my FAVE! If you've not tried it yet....it's addicting! You were it once & you'll keep going back to it. I start to freak out when my bottle gets low! mmmmmmmmmm ..it's so good!

2008-02-14T11:23:00.002-06:00

I saw these bracelets at Urban Outfitters & LOVED them. I had originally found them in a magazine and thus found a website that carried them...ravinstyle.com and I wanted pink....but they were sold out! I love the gold accent!

2008-02-14T00:18:00.000-06:00

2008-02-14T00:11:00.000-06:00

2008-02-14T00:06:00.003-06:00

This is a product in my new Sweetie Bird line.

A sweet tree image inside a white frame.

Perfect for the lil' bundle of joy!

Sweetie Bird

2008-02-12T18:11:00.000-06:00

I now have a line called "Sweetie Bird," on my website.
The tagline is "for the tres chic baby." I hope to add more
items to the line!

2007-11-28T14:20:00.000-06:00

Simple & crisp....black, tan & white!

2007-11-28T14:17:00.000-06:00

Personal stationery is my specialty! And my new obsession is chandeliers!