Showing posts with label inspiring images. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiring images. Show all posts

CAKE. + Instagram

4.11.2012
I haven't had much time for blogging lately, but that doesn't mean I've gone AWOL.  As a perk of the new job, I finally got an iphone, and thus... an instagram account.  I've been documenting my new adventures in San Francisco and would love to have you follow along via twitter.  And by all means, tweet me a note with your handle so I can see what you've been up to as well.

ps. while we're sharing, I've also been enjoying more time to pin during my commute... check out my latest finds!


photos (clockwise): miette \\ britex fabrics\\ louis vuitton\\ rifle paper a la gumps.

Go ahead and Leap

2.29.2012
It only comes around every four years, so if you've been dreaming up something big... today is for you my friends.  Go ahead... take the leap.

photo © cookieluver33

Modern Holiday: Neon + Neutrals

11.29.2011
I've had mixed feelings about the neon trend, but when paired with neutrals like white and kraft, there's no denying it adds a certain cheer to the holiday season.  Try incorporating an idea or two from this roundup to add a subtle pop of neon in your home, or put it all together with some metallic accents for a vibrant and festive holiday party...
wreath + garland, via anthology.


cupcakes, toppers + tags, via martha stewart.


wall decor + treats, via somewhere splendid.


tablescape + masking tape plates via design sponge.


free printable tags via hey look.


geo ornaments via etsy.

Up Up and Away: A First Birthday Photoshoot

11.10.2011
Completely smitten with this first birthday photo shoot sent in by Heidi of Velvet Owl Photography.  Can't you feel the warmth, love and happiness radiating through these gorgeous images?  Also, I'm reminded that I ought to get it together and have some family photos taken this season... if they could look like this I might actually stop procrastinating.







 photos © velvet owl photography

Sweet Style: Spring Styling Workshop

9.15.2011
I'm thrilled to share these exclusive images from Aussie dynamo Leanne of Sweet Style, from her Spring Styling Workshop.  She hosted this event in her home along with several other presenters as an opportunity to teach other moms some styling tricks and tips.  Naturally Leanne was in charge of party presentation, so she put together three gorgeous tables- for adults, for children and one for beverages.  Read on below for all the special details in her own words...











photos © sweet style

From Leanne: With styling for both the home and parties being so popular in Australia now, a friend of mine Penny from Working Mums Masterclass decided her next workshop topic would be spring styling. The session was held in my home and we had 3 presenters on the day. Jane for interior styling, Jacki did food prep and plating, and I did party and dessert table styling. 

I put together three different tables. The first was a fun kids table with a spring or garden party theme. I included little details that tied back the lady bird and flowers on the invite.  The second table was an adults table with a vintage feel to it - the colours of aqua and pink look lovely and I demonstrated how you can get different looks by using different centrepieces. We went over different ways to add small touches like ribbons, tags or twine and adding personal touches by stamping wooden cutlery and the all important backdrop.  The third table was a drinks table with a flowing sheer tablecloth, some lovely tall blossoms and vintage jars with stripy straws to drink out of.

There were 20 mums who came along so they could get tips and ideas for styling in the home and for their parties.  We talked about everything from backdrops, to centrepieces, party favours, display tricks and tips, personalising various items, jars and bottles and food.  My favourite part was getting to meet so many people who read my blog and contact me online - being able to have a chat and see how excited people are with party styling was wonderful.

Want to see more parties from Leanne?  Click here and here.

party inspiration: crochet garland

7.05.2011
Hi Birthday Girl readers, this is Ana of Live and Enliven.  This is my first post here and I wanted to introduce my little sidekick, Emma… she is part of a team of 2 {she and I} of Live and Enliven, our personal blog. I will be posting here for as long as you want me to and if you have any questions don't hesitate to visit and contact me.

Now, let's talk a little about party inspiration:

This whimsical garland would be a perfect decoration for a child's birthday party or for a baby shower. The fun bright colors and different circle shapes make it so dream-like… it is nice to look at and touch, and is a wonderful keepsake.

I thought of making a tutorial, but realized that those who don't know how to crochet won't even get started - and those who do would make it in a jiffy because it is that easy.

I recommend you ask your friends that crochet to help you make one. I put this one up in Emma's bedroom and it gives ME inspiration.  Have a lovely day.

- Ana




 {images via live and enliven}

color me happy: paulette's macarons

2.21.2011
At the close of another dreary winter's day, I thought I'd color your world with pictures from one of the stops on this weekend's excursion into San Francisco with Michele of Cakewalk Baking and her friend Jessica.  We had a lovely girls day {that's code for leaving the kids at home} of shopping and inspiration gathering for an upcoming event.  A few of our stops included Miette {which sadly was closed due to an unfortunate plumbing incident}, Crown & Crumpet for afternoon tea, Kara's Cupcakes and Paulette's Macarons {pictured here}.  I'm not going to review the shops for you since it's already way past my bedtime, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves throughout, and I'd be happy to provide more info via e-mail for anyone planning a visit to these SF locations.




{all images copyright birthday girl 2011}

guest post: sweet party details

7.05.2010
Hi everyone! I am so thrilled to be helping out while Becca is spending time with the new addition to her family. I'm a big Birthday Girl fan and a huge fan of parties of all shapes and sizes, so it's so much fun to be here today. The heart and soul of my blog, The Sweetest Occasion, is about finding reasons to celebrate everyday. I am in love with sweet little details that make a celebration shine with personality, large budget nor extensive crafting skills required. With that in mind, I thought I'd share some of the fabulous details I'm loving lately. Hopefully they inspire you as you plan your next birthday celebration for guest of honor young or old. Enjoy!

I love this simple arrangement of vintage-inspired Izze soda bottles and the cute polka dot flags on the straws. So simple yet so sweet.


Personalized logo cocktail napkins are one of my favorite ways of adding a personal touch to a party. How cute are these?


Nothing dresses up a cocktail like a custom drink stirrer. Use your favorite colors, the initials of a loved one or a sweet monogram to make them really unique.


Simple treats like cupcakes take on special charm when frosted in coordinating colors and decorated with a recurring theme like polka dots.


Nothing says 'party' like a great party hat! These patterned party hats with ruffled trim are so vibrant and fun - I love them!


Bright fuchsia peonies paired with navy is so chic. I love the simple cluster of blooms in white vessels stacked on white cake stands. Such a statement!


Simple favors (in this case mini chocolate chip cookies in a kraft paper bakery box) look extra special with the added touch of a simple tag and a big of ribbon.


Never underestimate the power of a fabulous invitation to set the tone for your party. These ones are letterpress printed and feature an envelope lined in a great polka dot pattern that I adore.


Of course, you can't forget a great birthday cake. Skip the candles and go with an unexpected touch like a cherry on top!


- by Cyd Converse of The Sweetest Occasion

Photo Credits

(1) Party Perfect (LINK: http://partyperfectblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/ladybug-loveliness.html) (2) betsywhite stationery (LINK: http://www.betsywhite.com/) (3) little white book (LINK: http://brideslittlewhitebook.blogspot.com/2010/06/dressed-up-drinks.html) (4) Megan W Photography (LINK: http://www.meganwphotography.com/) from Elizabeth Anne Designs (LINK: http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2010/06/08/green-blue-retro-wedding-dessert-buffet-tablescape-ideas/) (5) The City Cradle (LINK: http://thecitycradle.com/handcrafted-party-ruffled-style) (6) Project Wedding (LINK: http://www.projectwedding.com/blog/2010/05/28/fuschia-and-navy-color-inspiration/) (7) The Sweetest Occasion (LINK: http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2010/02/aqua-teal-wedding-decor-ideas/) (8) Simplesong Design (LINK: http://simplesongdesign.com/) (9) imprintables (LINK: http://imprintables.blogspot.com/2010/05/love.html)