{Design Crush}

Recently I stumbled upon the amazing interior designer Ryan Korban.

I immediately fell hard for the stacks of books, brass finishes, antiques, and hints of metallic.

A wonderful mix of everything seemingly unrelated but somehow working so

harmoniously as one.

Incredibly enough... he is a self taught designer and only 26 years old!

Officially my newest design crush!

{inspiration}

It's never too late to be what you want to be.

Hoping not to forget these words of inspiration!

{perfection in a dog}

{cocktail hour}

Having a few friends over tonight for drinks and hors'devours

to celebrate this gorgeous spring day.

Trying out this yummy cocktail.

Pear and Cranberry Bellini

Serves: 8

1 cup pear nectar

1 cup cranberry juice

1 bottle Prosecco

In a small pitcher or large measuring cup, combine juices.

Pour 1/4 cup of juice mixture into eight champagne glasses.

Top with Prosecco or other dry sparkling white wine.

{a pretty place}

I think I would be much more excited to do my homework

if I had a beautiful desk like this to sit at.....

{spring is in the air}

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want -

oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want,

but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!"

~Mark Twain

{gratitude}

I think that too often people forget all the things they have to be grateful for.

I know that personally I sometimes dwell on things I have no control over

and let that get me down.

However, I am more and more realizing that I have an amazing life,

full of amazing people and opportunity.

Occasionally I write a list of things I am grateful for

and have come to find how inspiring it is to do so.

These are a few things I am currently grateful for however small they may be:

A hot shower and clean water to drink.

A warm bed with freshly washed sheets.

My faith in God, that I know can get me through any hard times.

A wonderful family that supports me and always loves me.

My obsession with Nail Polish....as silly as it sounds it is always a sure way to cheer me up.

The ability to read whatever books I want to read and believe what I choose to.

My sweet fiance, who is always making me smile.

The ability to go to the grocery store and buy food to cook for dinner.

A glass of wine with good friends and great conversation.

The beauty of a sunny spring day and how it can completely change your outlook.

This life is a beautiful thing.

We should all spend more time recognizing the little things that make it so worth living!

{sneak peek}

Mesmerized by these two beauties...

especially the soft "petal" like layers on the two tiered cake.

Lusting after the soft romantic neutrals seen in these gorgeous flower arrangements.

The wedding planning is coming along perfectly!

I purchased my dress on Monday and couldn't be happier about it.

{for my girlies}

Such a sweet way to package a bridesmaid gift!

I love the little box full of wedding day "emergency necessities".

{on display}

Inspired to find a way to display my collection of jewelry,

since I have such a hard time keeping it all together!

{what's the time??}

Silly or Amazing???

{happy list}

~a beautiful chandelier hanging over a kitchen table~

~an inspiration board to tack up all your latest favorites~

~a pretty vase filled with colorful buds that remind you of spring~

~Mulberry "Alexa" bag....someday~

~a great collection of coffee table books to pass the time with~

{pink citron}

This is the newest addition to my Voluspa candle collection,

thanks to the fiance,

and I am crazy about it!

The candle has a subtle grapefruit scent with a hint of rose.

So yummy, and the packaging all of their candles comes in is to die for.

The best part....this 12 oz candle will burn for 100 hours!!!

Not bad for the $28 price tag.

{perfection}

While I have Kate Spade on my mind...

why not take a look at this lovely room from her home.

I am in love with this space.

The wall color is so perfect with the chunky white molding around the doorway; the photo gallery, even the red and white striped chair is just darling.

(if you know me, I am not a fan of red, but it totally is just what this space needs for it to "pop"!!!)

{swooning}

I have stumbled upon this beautiful set of china designed by Kate Spade for Lenox.

Needless to say, I have become quite taken by them.
The platinum polka dots screaming my name!

I can imagine how great these would make a table look for a special occasion, or the not so special occasion, when you want your take-out to feel much more glam.

{loving love}

Valentine's Day was bittersweet this year.

Matt being away for school meant not being together this year, which has been hard, but also very good for both of us in a lot of ways. One thing is for sure, distance surely does makes the heart grow fonder. I can't imagine loving someone more than I love Matt, and what a lovely feeling that is to have. Valentine's Day has always been one of my favorite days; even when I was single, it is just such a beautiful, romantic holiday that reminds you how important it is to have love in your life. I spent my Valentines with two of my favorite people in this world; my amazing mother and my beautiful best friend Sydney. We spent the day shopping, getting wedding ideas, and them watching me try on gorgeous wedding dresses. Love is so much more than having a boyfriend, fiance, or husband; it is having people in your life that make your life worth living. I am so grateful that I have been blessed with such wonderful friends family, and an adoring fiance! What a lucky in love girl I am!

Wishing everyone a beautiful, hopelessly romantic week. xo

{who says...}

a beautifully wrapped package can't be just as amazing as what is inside???

{currently enjoying}

Tonight I am enjoying

a quiet night at home, complete with a warm blanket,

wonderful candles, a cup of hot chocolate, and a good book.

Chilly winter nights do have their advantages...sometimes.

{I resolve to...}

I love the new year because it is always a time for self evaluation and the ability for a fresh slate. This year I am focusing on bettering myself, being more appreciative, and surrounding myself with beauty that will inspire me. Here is a list of my "resolutions" that I will hopefully be able to work on through out the wonderful year of 2011....

Become better organized and de-clutter!

Save money for my wedding

Read often and stay inspired

Thank my parents for all that they do

Work hard to finish my last semester strong

Stay better connected with people I care about

Let my friends know how appreciated they are

Be more romantic

Find my dream job, or one that will advance me to where I want to be

Write more love letters

Experiment creatively

Be kinder towards all people

Eat healthy, and Exercise more often

Make 2011 a year to remember!