Nail Bling

Now, I’m not a fan (yet!) of the new nail craze with all of the big beads and things on the nails like I have been seeing on some of the hottest celebrities.  Maybe I’m a lame but sometimes there is a such thing as...too much!

Well, this piece of jewelry caught my eye and I really like it.  Probably because it is mixed with elegance and a tad bit of the unexpected.  What an original way to spruce up a simple wedding day manicure, huh?! Only if I could find out the original source for this photo will I be even more happy.  If you find or know it, please let me know. 

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Zipper Chic

When I ran across these gorgeous vintage jars wrapped in none other than zippers, I knew I had to share it with you.  I can already think of the things that I could do with them like fill them with fresh flowers for a swank little dinner party or display them on a book shelf or coffee table for a great conversation piece.  I just love this.  

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I'm Lovin': Brooch Bouquets

I LOVE!!!

I am in love with the newest bouquet trend using brooches in place of flowers.  How stunning does this look?  And, not to mention what a creative way to incorporate priceless heirlooms passed down from grandparents and other family members.  The only thing I say is, you better not toss this beauty at the reception to the single ladies.

Floral designer, Amanda Heer, owner of Fantasy Floral Designs, creates these beautiful bouquets and can be found here or on Etsy.  Check them out for yourself and be amazed at how fabulous these stunning pieces are.

Christmas Pretty!

The above tree (and space) is just pretty.  Tobi Fairly, an Arkansas top interior designer, designed this tree for her daughter's playroom.  On Tobi's blog she stated that she and her daughter loves to "monkey" around and the sock monkey was the inspiration for the Christmas tree.  I love it.  So whimsical and fun.  I'd love to hang out in this girly room.

So, if you are experiencing "decorator's block" this season, let Tobi inspire you.  Pull from something that you like or collect.  Do YOU and that my dear...exudes style!


Happy Holidays!

Tish's Quick Holiday Decor Tips

You have probably started to deck your halls and make them all festive for the holidays, right?!  Well, if not, I have a few tips that can get you going.  

1.  Stick with a theme.  Or, go with your theme from last year and spruce it up.  Just make sure you have your colors or actual theme (i.e. snowflakes, penguins, ice) chosen.  If you have to do a little shopping, this will make it easier for you to go to the exact items you need.

2.  Recycle.  This will save you big.  Add to what you already have.  Need fillers or a few more ornaments?  Just buy these few items than purchasing a whole new "Christmas Decor Wardrobe".

3.  Try Mesh.  Deco Poly Mesh is wonderful and such a great filler.  You can purchase it from your local florist or decorator's store.  Use it on wreaths, trees, and garlands.  It is so easy to use but if you need a little help, ask the florist (or decorator) to show you a few tricks before you leave the store.

4.  Fragrances.  Fill your home or office with the fragrances of the Holidays.  Do this by adding potpourri or scented candles and oils to your space.  An immediate warmth will feel your space.

5.  Don't underestimate ornaments.  Fill glass jars or platters with ornaments of various sizes.  Place them on your coffee table, end tables, mantle, or bookshelves.  What a simple, chic, and beautiful way to decorate.  Be sure to check your local dollar stores before heading to your speciality shops.  We want to save, right?!

6. Shop your back yard.  Pine cones, acorns, branches, oh my!  I'm certain you have those near by.  And, not to mention tons of leaves...  Get a can of gold (or any color) spray paint and go to town on transforming these natural elements into chic decor items.  Place them in a bowl or platter and add some pillar candles and I think you have a masterpiece.

7.  Candle Clusters.  Use lots of them in clusters of various sizes.  If you are like me and have small children at home, I'd use LED battery operated candles.  Remember those items you're going to spraypaint?  Place these candles in the center and there you go.  

8.  Ribbon, Ribbon, and More Ribbon.  Christmas time is not a time where Less is More.  You can go BIG during this time.  Add fun ribbon of various sizes, colors, or patterns to your wreaths, tree, swags, and garlands.  

9.  Coordinated Gifts.  Keep your theme going when you begin to wrap your gifts.  Let your gift wrap also be a part of your theme.  Add that ribbon to it and what a great extra this will be to your holiday decor.

10.  Get Carried Away.  Carry your theme throughout your space by adding candles, swags, or smaller trees to other rooms.  You can bring smaller holiday doodads into other rooms such as your kitchen, bathroom, and home office.

Princess and the Frog Tea Party

I had the pleasure of planning a beautiful birthday party for a client's daughter.  When she told me that she wanted a Princess and the Frog tea party, I was ecstatic!!!  What a fun party to create for a little girl.  I really enjoyed this movie and did my best to incorporate aspects of the film into the party.  Enjoy the pictures!

Entrance Table.  Included was a treasure of princess pretties for the girls to add to their royal attire.

In the movie, Princess Tiana worked really hard to purchase her own restaurant by keeping all of her tips in a jar.  As you can see, she made it!

The Party Space

Place Settings with custom bottled waters and placecards

Yummy Cupcakes

Birthday letter from Prince Naveen

The little princesses enjoyed learning the proper way to sip their tea...dainty pinky up!

Our version of Princess Tiana's tasty beignets.  ...powdered donuts!  

After lunch, the princesses were able to make their own pot of  "sweet gumbo".

Mason jars were the perfect containers for the "sweet gumbo" ingredients.

Cute and yummy princess frog marshmallows.

"Gumbo" pots

Princesses making their "gumbo"

Remember Mama Odie?!  Well, the princesses moved right on over to make their own special glitter lotion.  This was a hit!

Small aprons were provided so that they wouldn't get their royal attire messy.

"Secret Beauty Potion" (lotion)

Potion Making

Budget Chic DIY for Hearts Day

I was preparing dinner one night and as I opened up one of the canned veggies the cute little pink lightbulb flashed over my head.   Not about dinner...but the empty can.  So, I had Little Miss tear off the wrapper and then I washed the can and sat it on the counter.  Mr. Officer threw it away.  I tried this about 2-3 times again only to have him throw them away (on different days).  But then, it's probably not that easy living with someone who will create anything out of anything!

I started off with the clean can, tissue paper, glittery 12x12 scrapbook paper, glittery magnet, and some candy.  I used the paper trimmer to cut the scrapbook paper down to size (4.25"x10").  With my handy dandy hot glue gun, I wrapped the can with the paper.  Then, I added (not shown above) a lighter glittery strip of paper to the center (see below).  I secured the magnet with a dollop of hot glue, although the magnet worked fine alone. I then added one sheet of tissue paper and my candy...

Voila!

My very own little cute Valentine's Day treat container thingy.  Under five bucks.  This would be a great budget chic treat for the kiddies, co-workers, or friends.  And, an even better V-Day container for a fresh floral arrangement for your desk at work or to give as a simple gift.

Handmade gifts are sometimes the best to give and receive because of the time and love that goes into it.  What creative ideas do you have for spreading the love for V-Day this year?  Leave a comment and let us know.

Getting Ready for V-Day 2010

At the Planning Diva's house, we have been getting ready for Valentine's day.  Since I have a small one at home, it is really fun preparing for her little school and dance class parties.  The kiddies are always so excited and appreciative. This past Saturday, little miss and I prepared her VDay goodies for both her school class and her dance class.  

We decorated these water bottles for the little dancers to sip on after dance class.

For the party, little miss and I put together these cute treat bags.  Just a few pieces of candy and a tube of lip gloss makes a sweet treat.

The back of the bag topper

My dear and sweet mother-in-law is celebrating her birthday today so little miss and I put together a basket of yummy treats for her to enjoy during this coooold weather.  

Now, we have to work on the fellows at home so that they will feel all sweet and stuff.  What crafty creations are you working on for Valentine's 2010?!  

Oh yea, if you would like to create your own treat bags like we did, I'll send you a printable version (in pdf).  All you need to do is print onto cardstock and cut along the lines.  Send me your email address and I'll place them in your inbox.  

Some More Feathery Goodness

Okay. I will cut it out after this post with the feathers. I guarantee you. But, I couldn't talk about using them without sharing a few pics of them in centerpieces. So, wrapping up my week's addiction of feathers, here ya go!

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Tish B.

Feathery Goodness, Again!

I didn't think that I would get obsessed with feathers. But, not at all, am I suggesting that the entire wedding should look like a bird threw up. I think if feathers are being used then they should be used subtly and definitely not forcefully. So with that being said, I'll continue to my week's fascination of....feathers.

These gowns are tastefully designed with the use of feathers. Soft and chic with a pop of WOW!

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Tish B.