We've Booked Our Photographer!

It's official.
When we first got engaged, Chris and I wrote down our top priorities for the wedding. Numero uno was the venue. So, we booked an AMAZING location within the first month of being engaged (more on that later). The second priority was the photographer. Why put a lot of effort into something so meaningful and have nothing to capture the moments and details?

His name is Jason Mize and he is based out of Tampa.
Here's just a taste of his work. Definitely check out his website/blog for more!

Crafty Christmas

1. Girl. Inspired. 
2. Martha Stewart
3. Likainen Parketti

Black Friday

Photo Credit: Kathika, Keep Calm Shop

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Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for:
My amazing, supportive family
My faithful friends (and readers!)
My wonderful fiance and his family
A job where I can play piano every day
A Savior who has granted me grace so that I can be a part of His family

May God bless you today. Remember there are always reasons to be thankful!

Silver Sparkles and Sequins

I am currently watching one of my new favorite shows, Big Bang Theory and thinking about how Christmas is almost only one month away. It's hard to feel super Christmas-y in 80 degree weather, but my roommates cinnamon candle is helping me get in the spirit.

Last Christmas I went all DIY with my family's gifts. I custom designed the gift tags and coffee stained them. I used a ton of twine and brown packaging paper. Somehow I have to top what I did last year. Here's some inspiration from the sequins, sparkles, and glitter that are definitely IN right now (just look at the storefronts of Forever XXI).

1. Glitter Guide
2. Beauty and the Budget
3. Beauty and the Budget
4. Knot and Bow
5. Birdcage Cards
6. a Little Card

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Pretty as Chalk

There's something about chalk's simplicity and innocence as it lends itself to a nostalgic part of grade school. With a shed full of milk glass, Chris and I have moved on to collect chalk boards. It doesn't take much money to create beautiful, delicate, personal touches with chalkboards.

Here's my inspiration:

Top: A beautiful custom chalk sign at a wedding reception in a deli.
Middle Left: I'm a sucker for anything with Peonies and these framed chalkboard table numbers are perfect.
Middle Right: How cute is this? A wedding word search. Fun, cute, and personalized.
Bottom: Another custom chalk wedding piece with a vintage flair. Love.

Chris and I bought a simple little chalk board for fifty cents at a garage sale. I painted the natural wood frame white with a few coats of acrylic paint. Then I bought a set of chalk markers online. I'm not super happy with the brightness of the pink (it's like neon Vegas sign fuchsia), so I may stick to the white to give it an authentic chalk feel.

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Kitchen Ideas

Hey there!

Good news on the wedding planning forefront -- we have found our dream photographer and we're in the process of booking him/her! More details to follow once we've made it legit.

Right now Chris and I have been exploring color palettes for various rooms as we think about our registry. You all know I am obsessed with the seafoam/turquoise palette. So, this is a little style board I am working on for our kitchen.

If you have any ideas about where to register, let me know. We need to figure that out soon!

1. Pretty Divine

2. Kitchen Aid
3. Bed Bath & Beyond
4. Bed Bath & Beyond
5. Design Within Reach
6. Design Within Reach
7. English Creek Gardens

Lavender Fields Forever

I can't get enough of this color. I always wrote off purple/lavender as the color that people who hated pink liked. And I love pink... (read about my pink obsession here). 

Take a look. Warning: purple haters will be converted.

1. Dreamy Whites

2. Maggie Austin Cakes 

3. Louise Van Gend 

4. decor8
5. Pretty Pretty Yum Yum
6. Jacaranda Designs
7. Fofa Brazil

Feathery Finds

Oh, how I wish there was a chill in the air. However, I don't know if there ever will be seeing that I live in Florida, the land of no seasons. 

I want to get a feather extension in my hair...until then, here are some feathery inspirations. 

1. 100 Layer Cake 

2. Isadora 

3. Roots Jewelry 

4. Groundwork

Sorbet Chic Style

I've been thinking that it's time I give you a hint as to what we're planning for our wedding. I can't give everything away, seeing that we have a couple tricks up our sleeve.

What we really desire is a relaxing evening for all of our closest friends and family as we share our special day together. We don't any stuffiness or weird traditions that include drunk men and garters. We want everything to feel natural and organic in the sense that the whole event flows together as one dynamic, intimate, whimsical day. We want our photographer to capture the goofy grins on our faces as well as the sweet, quiet moments with each other and our families.

We don't want our day to feel like a carbon copy of the couple who got married at the same venue the week prior, nor do we want to feel rushed or unimportant. We want our day to be memorable, personalized, thought through, and just plain old magical, dangit!

So, on the road to creating a wedding masterpiece, we've chosen peach/coral to be our color of choice. And yes, I have been pinning my faves on Pinterest like crazy. Here's a few to give you an idea of what we are planning:

1. Martha Stewart Weddings

2. Mowielicious

3. Forage

4. Sarah Ryhanen

Muted Seafoam and Salmon

1. Lamp: 2modern  

2. Pillow:  HELP! I can't find this link. 

3. Lamp: Lamps Plus 

4. Throw: COCOCOZY 

5. Sofa: Sofas & Stuff

I'm Engaged!

All the things we've grown accustomed to seem more whimsical and romantic. Holding hands. Cooking dinner for each other.  Long convo's over Skype while I'm gone on vacation. Sweating our guts out doing P90X in my living room. Well, scratch that. Not so romantic, no matter what the season.

I wish you could see my coffee table...

We've got Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Pacific Weddings (the only bridal magazine in Jamaica), Real Simple Weddings, and The Knot. 

My Pinterest is blowing up with color palettes, bridesmaid dresses, and decor inspiration. 

I apologize that it took me three weeks to announce this.

All I can say is that I am READY to feel no shame in posting wedding related things. 

The abbreviated story:

One of our friends, a photographer, needed some couple shots to "build his portfolio," and "asked us to do a photoshoot" in YBor City. What I didn't know was Chris had set this all up beforehand. At one point we were standing in the median under the bridge that says Centro YBor and Chris tells me his shirt pocket won't button. So, I start messing with the snap button and look down to see a ring pass from one hand to another. I thought he had taken my promise ring off, but then it hit me. I started saying, "Are you serious? No way! You are joking!" The best part is that I start playfully (or maybe slightly violently) pushing him and muttering all these things in disbelief. It was surreal. He got down on one knee. Will you marry me?

"Of COURSE!"

What a fantastic season of life we are in. I love him so much. 

Thank you God for my best friend.

Donut Craze

I have a prediction: In this era of frozen yogurt and cupcakes, a new fad is peeking over the horizon. Donuts. Not just any donuts, couture donuts...sprinkles, glaze, pearls...the works. Some may call it "Designer Donuts," like in this article. One thing is for sure, these are not your average policeman's donut.

1//Martha Stewart Weddings 2//Simple Song 3//All the Beautiful Things 4//Whisk Kid 5//Country Living 6//We Heart It 7//Pretty in Pink 

Teal Time

I'm decided to give room decor another shot and designed this boho quirky bedroom style board. Hope you likey!

1. Chair: Crate & Barrel 2. Lantern: You Had Me at Bonjour 3. Pillows: Joss & Main 4. I Love Cake Pilllow: Raine Style Home 5. Rug: Urban Outfitters 6. Poster: EeeBee 7. Chandelier: Clayton Gray Home

Pottery Barn DIY

When I was preparing to go to college, I spent my days flipping through Pottery Barn and Target magazines. I was infatuated with damask (that swirly chandelier pattern) and anything hot pink. I'll never forget the first Facebook conversation I had with my new roommate. She told me, "I don't care how we decorate, as long as everything isn't hot pink." By then I had already purchased my pink and black polka dotted quilt, pink throw, and pink microplush body pillow. There was no turning back.

While looking through a Pottery Barn magazine, I stumbled across an adorable cork board with customizable fabric squares. The price was something outrageous--I think like $300. My dad, Mr. Handyman, told me that we could design and build it together. So we did. My dad attached white crown molding to a square piece of plywood while I picked out quilting swatches at JoAnne Fabrics, which I stapled over square cork pieces. I loved that thing. It traveled with me from dorm room to dorm room.

Since my move, it has remained leaning against my window for a few weeks now. I've come to realize I've graduated from hot pink, polka dots, and flourishes to turquoise, coral, shabby chic, and lace. Boyfriend and I are in the process of peeling off the old cork board so I can attach new fabrics that match my room.

Here's the projected new patterns. I'll try to uncover an old picture of the original board. 

Oh, and the most creative element is the pegs that fit in the holes in the white plywood--I use them as necklace holders!

I'll keep ya updated on the progress. 

Here are the fabrics I used:

 JoAnne Fabrics, Amy Butler, Knit Emporium, Amy Butler

Etsy Finds for Cinco De Mayo

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I have highlighted one of my favorite fruits (and yes it is a fruit)...the avocado. I'm a huge sucker for fresh guac (said like "Aflac" with lots of emphasis on the "awk"). :)

My trademark recipe: (and perhaps yours as well...it's not super original, but tasty nonetheless)

Avocado, garlic, onions, lemon and lime juice, cilantro, and diced tomatoes. Yum. Celebrate.

Just some lovely and unique Etsy finds to get you in the guac spirit.

1. LuLu Bug Jewelry 2. Fruit Fly Pie 3. Orange Mandalade 4. Sleeping Dog Store 5. Uncommon 6. BelleTerre

I Love Turquoise

I'm no psychic, but I see turquoise becoming really popular. 

I think I might have an unhealthy obsession with it. 

Shoes: BHLDN

For more fantastic turquoise/teal/aqua things: House of Turquoise & Everything Turquoise 

Yellow & Gray Styleboard

Chelsea is no longer updating 'Tis So Sweet, but you can find her on her new blog, Rosario Creative Co.

So, I am in the process of looking for a new apartment. 

I am excited and set on this yellow + gray theme.

It's feminine meets masculine.

Happy. Like sunshine.

It includes a lot of geometric patterns paired with ruffles and natural textures.

Clean & homey. 

Awesome Diy Headboard: House*Tweaking 1. Target 2. Premier Fabrics 3. Bedbuggs 4. Pottery Barn via Real Simple 5. Amy Butler 6. Colorbee 7. She Likes Purple

Laptop Tote Bags

Okay, I'll admit I'm lugging around a masculine canvas computer bag because it has all the perks—a pocket for my mouse/charger and inside pockets for additional folders and papers. However, I realized that I wouldn't be too thrilled to lug that into a meeting with a client. I wanted something stylish but functional. There are actually a lot of cute bags online. Pricey...yes. Nonetheless, they exist. So, here's a collection of some somewhat pricey and affordable computer bags that will impress clients and employers alike.  

Orange Mocha Frappuccino!

I'm sitting in a coffee shop in Nashville called JJ's Cafe & Market just charging my Macbook and people watching when I came across these little treats. One Tree Coffee Co.'s iced coffee is bottled daily, so the packaging design allows baristas to write the specifics of each coffee directly on the label. Too bad it's in New South Wales. So, all you of readers from Australia [not the UK, as I ignorantly said before I was politely corrected by Kt], go drink one for me. 

Pillows and Amps

So, here I am in Nashville. I'm sitting in an almost furniture-less room among pillows, pedals, and amps as two of my long lost friends are jamming out on the acoustic and electric. 

A year and a half ago, this was my everyday life. The only worry on my mind was writing that "perfect" song or performing without a hitch. So much has changed. I'm pursuing life as a graphic artist, amongst many other things. However, I'm realizing that along the way that I've lost my passion for writing, recording, and performing. 

I've been going through a writing dry spell in the last few months, due to putting music on the back burner. Even sitting here I just want to go grab a guitar and write for like ten hours. Being around musicians is just so contagious. I need times like these to wake up the words and melodies that are in hibernation in my head. 

As I packed for this trip, I found myself being a little bit of a graphic design addict. I actually made a pretty little organized list of all my items. My own personal inventory. 

I apologize for the randomness of this post, but I'm just relaxing and taking in all the music surrounding me--I couldn't help but share this happy, excited, mesmerized feeling. The end. 

Flirty Florals

Photos courtesy of GollyKaity, ChibiMoonX, & AndyLeTerrible.

1. Van Mildert 2. Aldo 3. Tilly's 4. Top Shop 5. Irregular Choice 6. General Pants

Sum Moah Please

You know what  I'm craving at this very moment? One of these little high-calorie chewy coconutty confections that only grace our presence once a year. My family and I brought one of these boxes to the beach this weekend and devoured it in like two minutes. Literally. We killed that box of delicious Samoas.

Speaking of Samoas, why are they now called Caramel deLites?

First of all, deLite is spelled wrong. Second, they are far from "light" in calories. 

According to the always accurate Wikipedia, the name "Samoas" is presumably an allusion to the tropical island of Samoa, due to the tropical ingredients of coconut and cocoa. Duh.

The name change was due to the Girl Scouts switching bakers from Little Brownie Bakers, a subsidiary of Keebler, to ABC Bakers. Little Brownie Bakers owned the name "Samoas," so ABC Bakers had to go with Caramel deLites.

Random tidbit for yah. Here are a few more mouthwatering photos of Girl Scout cookies.

What? A Samoa cupcake! Yum.

Okay, I just remembered that I thought they were called Samoas for the same reason S'mores are called S'mores. It's just like S'more with a Boston accent. 

Tick Tock Says the Clock

Roses and Ruffles

1.  John Lewis 2. Dorothy Perkins 3. Betsey Johnson 

4. J Brand 5. Capodarte

Daisy Days

Daisies are fun because they are simple, flirty, and youthful. My boyfriend gave me a beautiful bouquet of daisies for Valentine's Day. What a sweet man. 

According to Pioneer Thinking, Daisies represent innocence. I'd say they are the perfect gift for a friend or family member if you're thinking of spreading a little love around. 

Have a sweet day!

Inspirational Magnet

If any of you watch The Middle on ABC, you've fallen in love with the eccentric and nerdy daughter, Sue Heck. She tries out for every team and always gets cut. Eventually, she joins the "no-cut" cross country team. If you've kept up with the show, you've seen her wear her cross country jersey for this entire season. What a trooper. Anyways, there's this episode where Sue finds an inspirational magnet at a local drugstore and desperately wants her dad to buy it for her. When he refuses, she resorts to stealing the magnet, but later breaks down in the car with her mother and wimpers, "I stole an inspirational magnet! I'm a stealer!"

The point is, here's my "Inspirational Magnet" of the day.

Be My Valentine

1. Gizmodiva 2. TOMS Shoes 3. ModCloth 4. Essie 5. Sit and Stay Awhile 6. Glorious Treats 7. Mr. Jones Watches 8. KMD Creations 9. Forever XXI 10. Overstock 11. Bold Loft

I do have to brag a little. My boyfriend actually gave me the pillowcase last year for Valentines Day. It makes me think of him every time I lay down to sleep. Valentine's Day is really an excuse to openly enjoy everything in my favorite color, pink! 

While most of you are enjoying your evening with your honey, I'll be serving prime rib and cabernet sauvignon to starry eyed lovers. Wish me luck! At least I have someone really special who took me out for a fabulous PF Chang's indulgence last night. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Terima Kasih, Guru!

So, I was looking at my stats for this blog and noticed that I have a nice handful of viewers from Malaysia. Interesting, because I used to live in Malaysia as a child. I lived in Kuala Lumpur from age seven to nine. It was an incredible experience. I will never forget the smells of the city, including Durian, which is the stinkiest fruit ever--not even allowed in hotel rooms (see picture below).

I loved it being summer 24/7 and the rambutan tree in the backyard. My dad even created this makeshift contraption that would hook onto the rambutans high up in the tree, cut their vine, and place them in a little basket.  

I spent an hour or so digging up old photographs of my family in Malasia. I thought I'd let you see some baby pictures (just this once!)

Please ignore my unruly bangs--I've admittedly been crying over a traffic ticket I got earlier today. Bleh.

10,000 Pounds of BANANAS!

I used a recipe from Martha Stewart's Cupcakes called Banana-Pecan Cupcakes. Since I used cake flour, I expected the cupcakes to be light and fluffy. However, they were reminiscent of bread. The flavor of the pecans was fantastic, so I used those to spice up their appearance. When I attempted Martha's Caramel Buttercream recipe, I messed up the meringue and had to do it another way. The frosting turned out very sweet and tasty, and I'm proud to say there is absolutely no confectioners sugar in it! Overall, the recipe was pretty complicated and time consuming for a cupcake with decent flavor. I'll definitely have to mess with this recipe until I find the perfect one. 

Annie, Grab Your Bowtie

Who can resist a man in a bow tie? Besides your Uncle Earl, of course. Speaking of Uncles, I don't think I have any relatives who wear bow ties. Does anyone even know how to tie a bow tie? I have to wear a striped double windsor tie to work (oh, the joys of the restaurant world). The best part is that I have no clue how to actually tie a tie that way, so I've been sliding the knot up and down for a few months now. I hope it lasts. P.S. I don't work at Olive Garden as you may have guessed. :)

From top left to right: Forage Bow Ties, Amy Atlas, How About Orange, blonde+blue, These Peas are Hollow

Marshmallows

Links from top: Anders Ruf Etsy Store, [4] conk kids, Maddycakes Muse, Cherished By Me, Bakingdom

TV Series DC Cupcakes Georgetown Cupcake

So, more recently (well, if recently means September) I was able to take a trip to DC to visit the fella's family. By request (if you call, "We have to go there!" a request) we visited Georgetown Cupcake. I love everything about this place--pink everywhere, the windows, the logo, the storefront--it's super adorable. Unfortunately, I did not see Sophie or Katherine, but recognized a few faces of the staff.

Scrapbooking for Cupcakes

We all know that cupcakes look fantastic on their own. However, if you're willing to put down the big bucks (typically $1+/ea) to make your cupcakes look spectacular, laser cut liners are perfect. They have a customized feel to them and make a dozen cupcakes look like an elaborate centerpiece. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

1. King Arthur Flour 2. My West Coast Wedding 3. Global Sugar Art 

4. Country Living 5. Paper Orchid 6. WeddingBee 7. Bride To Be 

8. Train Party 9. Pink Frosting 10. Save On Crafts

And the Nominees are...

I have attempted to begin the search for the prettiest cupcake. If I had all the money in the world, I would travel everywhere to taste these wonderful creations. Unfortunately, I have to settle on salivating over these lavish sparkly concoctions over the world wide web.

1. Teatime Folio 2. Rock-a-bye Baby 3. Glitterista 4. Shamima Desai 5. The Winsome Girl 

6. The Cupcake Shoppe 7. Greenwala 8. Peggy's Cupcakes 9. Sugarbloom Cupcakes 

10. Pink Cake Box 11. The Hip Hostess

Woodsey Elegance

I love the earthiness of browns, lavenders, and greens. They feel simple, organic, and natural. They aren't imposing or showy, rather subtle and undemanding.

I think this post can be attributed to the adorable etsy-esque headband I bought at Macy's this weekend (with a $10 off coupon!).

From left clockwise: 1. Merci New York 2. Love and Lavender 3. Once Wed 4. Clover and Bee 5. The TomKat Studio

Winter Wonderland Inspiration

Here's a fresh batch of inspiration for the post-Christmas blues. I love the idea of marshmallows on a wooden candy stick or snowflake cupcakes. Plus, who can resist anything iridescent? 

From left clockwise: Torie Jayne, Country Living, Paris Hotel Boutique Journal, Amy Atlas