valentines and wine

shortly after christmas with the lull of all the non-decor around, i decided i wanted to play host to a valentine making party. just a few friends, a little wine, plenty of sweets to snack on and, of course, some extreme girly-ness. it was the perfect remedy to cure my post christmas decoration blues.

valentine's day always has this stigma where people walk on eggshells of being in a relationship or not and what to do and not do. ick! i always loved valentine's day when i was younger...not so much for having a special someone but more about making fun cards and candy. so i thought a few friends and i could do just that. not focus on who it will be but, have fun goofing around and making valentines..for the sake of making something cute.

 

there was lots of laughing...girl talking..toasting gallore..

 

lots of pink...sweet notes..and of course confetti.

it was perfectly sweet, simple and felt just like grade school all over again. minus the wine of course ;)

starry, starry night

after my first time trying out an art class with wine and palette, my mom and i had been toying with the idea of doing one together. upon finding out january would be featuring one of my mom's all-time favorites, we figured the time had come! so we set out to each paint half of the beloved starry night painting by van gogh himself.

it was so cool to work on the same painting and see how our two styles came together. especially since most of my technique comes from this lovely lady :)

and while it was so fun to channel one of the greats in art, we were pretty happy to walk away with both our ears this time around.

cheers!

fresh coat of paint

so i decided not too long ago that i wanted to change up the blog a bit. it felt like it needed to be re-vamped a little and while i am still working out the kinks, i hope you all like it! and even though these balloons don't have anything to do with it, i love the festiveness they bring to even the smallest of occasions...like a fresh coat of paint.

happy monday!

vintage finds: the mini accordian

 

i love accordian skirts. they are so versatile, fun and can add so much when paired with basics. most accordians are maxi-length and make it difficult to dress up without looking overly casual. this satin mini version is the best of all worlds. short enough to add a little extra flirt to an outfit while not looking too relaxed. perfect for any scenario and easy to mix and match.

life, according to my iphone

[a creative take to wrapping odd-shaped gifts. snow days with T]

[tangled leashes from a curious pup. mom & pop shop blackberry pancakes...i'm still drooling over how good they were]

 

[i always love how my parents' home looks at xmas]

[cute friends over for a festive party. delicious measurements]

[toasting the new year with champagne and a movie marathon...perfect and relaxing. close ups!]

[delicious family dinners]

[my favorite boys]

[a friend's awesomely personalized xmas gift. brazilian steakhouse...yes please!]

[creative ways to wrap gifts. reflection snapshot while out and about in okc]

[family brunch]

the new year

[sorry for the gap in posts everyone! i came down with the flu a couple of weeks ago and it took me out. and while i never thought it was that big of a deal, since i never had it before, my views have totally changed. it was, in a word and not so shockingly, awful. now that i am back to feeling better, i'll be resuming my post schedule like normal! yay! so stay tuned in now for the post i meant to write shortly after nye.]

after new years eve, the thing on everyone's minds are resolutions for the coming year. truth be told, i've never been much for them. i can never think of what i would want to commit the whole year to as a goal, and in the end, it always feels like it's unrealistic. usually you don't actually fulfill whatever you set out to do and then feel serious guilt over it. this just didn't feel like the way i wanted to celebrate a brand new year of change. so instead, i thought i would try something different and make a little list of things i'd like to do in the new year...

read more often.
less tv time during the week.
enjoy cocktail hour.
paint funky colors on my nails.
train up to do a fun run...color me rad, may 11th, here we come!
explore more local treasures.
remember to take a deep breath when stressed and give myself a break.
take time to explore my creative outlets.
check out more live music.
host dinner parties with friends.
take more trips.
drink more tea and enjoy more baked goods. mmm!

here's to enjoying the next year!

goodbyes

 

[apologies in advance for the grainy photos!]

 

brian's moving to colorado..have i mentioned this before?? maybe not. but he is! T and i are so excited for him as he is moving out to the mountains to start a new chapter in his life. truth be told, we are a little blue about it, but, love him all the same and can't wait to have another friend to visit in the mountains.

 

so, last friday, several of brian's friends gathered together to show him lots of love, support and toast to his greatness :)

 

there were lots of drinks..

 

lots of laughs..

 

and lots of well wishing..for our dear friend. happy trails brian!