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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Created with Love

Posted on 4:55 PM by fjtrfjf
I had so many ideas for my daughter's first birthday, that it was difficult to choose a theme.  I knew that we were going to hire a petting zoo, and I wanted everything to look organic and homemade.  Created with love.  So I started with her initials painted a messy white to give a shabby chic feel, and everything just sort of grew from there. 
I hung the letters of her name across invisible wire that also held Chinese lanterns.  (The ribbon holding her name was the same ribbon tied around her floral party dress!)
I added some touches of ribbon throughout the backyard...
And when I found this love letter font (download it here!) everything started to come together perfectly. 
 The petting zoo was a hit!
And a painted canvas with Martha Stewart animal cut-outs hanging from a tree, welcomed everyone to my baby's farm.
Signs directed children into the backyard, where their choice of furry animal masks were awaiting them in a fun haystack (I found for $1 thrift, that used to be a Jurassic Park gift box!)
 Another salvage find was a glassless picture frame, where I hung her painted initial with more invisible wire.
The cupcakes were handmade (with the brilliant direction of my friend over at The Chirpy Bird) and were in shapes of pigs, sheep and tiny coconut toasted lions. 
My darling girl chose a piglet, and this being her first time EVER having sugar, looked at me with a face full of such delightful yummy-ness, and unabashed pure joy, my heart nearly broke in two.

For my little girl, everything I do is for you. 

xx
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Posted in Food, Friendship, How To, Love, Photography | No comments

Monday, August 30, 2010

After Party

Posted on 9:05 AM by fjtrfjf
Well guys, I did it.  I survived the insanity which was the overly-ambitious, DIY madness, everything must be perfect, horse and pony show that was my daughter's first birthday!
As things began to slow down, and guests said their lovely goodbyes, I was left with a serious sense of pride that I actually pulled this off.
But it wasn't without a few hiccups.
 Points to remember when planning the party of a (one year) lifetime:
  • Things will never go the way you expect them to.
  • Men need specific instructions and To Do Lists in order to be productive.
  • The dress you ordered online won't show up on time. (But breathe because Forever21 will save the day in a pinch- cute right?) ~ Find similar here. 
  • Find an amazing, dependable friend to help, then give her champagne. 
  • Your tiny guest of honor won't remember all the details you think matter so much, and your guests just want to share in the joy, so give yourself some slack. 
  • Eat and try ALL of the food you slaved over.  Even the candy.  You deserve it!
(My gorgeous niece, helping me to not take it all so seriously!)
Check back in tomorrow for more pics and the finished party decorations!
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Posted in Fashion | No comments

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Handwritten with Love

Posted on 10:00 AM by fjtrfjf

Spare moments are precious and few.
So are old-fashioned love letters.

There is something so romantic about pen to paper, watching your own calligraphy swirl around as thoughts bounce about in your head.

Nobody seems to write them anymore, and that makes me a bit sad, because in my opinion, they are such a beautiful (and dying) art form.

So, amongst all the party planning, and chaotic morning madness, I took a moment today to write a letter to my last participating pen-pal. My Grandfather is a widower living in West Virginia, who's been quite lonely since my Grandmother passed, and doesn't really have much these days (including a computer.) Sometimes I feel like these letters I write to him are just as much for me, as they are for him.


Find lovely stationary here

It's like my spare moment of peace, of zen, of meditation in thought and I know that somehow this old fashioned way of communicating, brings out the best in me as a writer and also as a Granddaughter.

I finished my thoughts, and signed it with love, and somehow became calmer, and clearer headed about my own life, by sharing it with him.

I wish you all a spare moment of peace today.

xx
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Posted in Art, Love | No comments

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

BCBG Max Azria Fall 2010

Posted on 8:14 AM by fjtrfjf
I've always been a fan of BCBG Max Azria, so I was delighted to get an invite to an exclusive party tonight, in the company of some of the most talented young designers in the industry.
Simply an excuse to dress up, doll up, and meet one of my favorite ladies out... I'll be lusting after the Fall -Winter Collection (color blocking is très fab, no?), while still lost in some of Spring's most billowy and dreamy silhouettes.
Max Azria Sash-applique gown 

But what's a girl to wear?  Stay tuned... 
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Posted in Fashion | No comments

Monday, August 23, 2010

Birthday Party Planning

Posted on 9:27 AM by fjtrfjf
T-Minus five days til my little munchkins ONE YEAR birthday party! SO much to do, so many ideas, so little time....
Aside from trying my hand at Miss Martha's animal cupcakes, (with the help of one very talented friend! ) I've been scouring the net for DIY sites and blogs of inspiration to go along with the backyard and animal themed birthday I have in mind.
These "sunshine" birthday party pics are simply adorable, and so little kiddy chic, that it gives me just the right amount of inspiration to spruce up our own backyard.
Thanks to this Hostess With the Mostess blog, (who I will be adding to my daily blog reading for sure!) I'm chalk full of ideas and visions now!

I love the idea of putting baby treats in jars instead of candy. We'll have lots of little ones under two, who would just love to dig their little hands into something like this.
Via Amy Brassette Photography
I'll be sure to share the finished product! (We haven't even discussed wardrobe yet!...) Gotta run!
xx
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Posted in Art, How To | No comments

Friday, August 20, 2010

Sissy Time

Posted on 7:33 AM by fjtrfjf
My heart...
My soul's twin...
The best parts of me, she is.
I love you, sis.

Happy weekend, loves. If you have a sister, call her. Tell her how much she means to you.

xx

PS - how excited am I to pull out this vintage coat again soon?!

photos by Karri Bowman
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Posted in Fashion, Friendship, Love, Thrift, Vintage | No comments

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Pigtails for grownups?

Posted on 10:12 AM by fjtrfjf
As I was getting dressed for another sunny Southern California day (thank you, weather!) without much to do but organize house, run errands, and dig deep for a few at-home writing projects, I popped in a couple of ponytails...
Now, this is a look I used to rock (with a wink & a smile) ALL the time, but one I realized I hadn't worn in YEARS. Perhaps it's because this is the first time in my life that I actually feel like an adult. (Crazy, right?)
The gorgeous Adriana Lima, and iconic Brigitte Bardot make them sexy and timeless (well, because they are.) But what about the masses?

What do you think, girls?
Pigtails for grownups: Fun or ridiculous?
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Posted in Beauty, Fashion | No comments

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Giveaways Galore!

Posted on 8:48 AM by fjtrfjf
Busy, busy day... (sans nanny or a moment of spare time!), but I just wanted to wish you a happy Wednesday and a "Colourful Day" full of things and dreams you've been longing for.
Via ianton
Don't forget to enter for the chance to win some goodies! Go here for some amazing hair product, and here for an adorable (and useful) little purse hanger!

Both contests end Monday 8/23, so hurry!

It’s all in my mind now,
But I can’t help thinking why it’s oh so quiet.
When I woke up it was like this,
What a colourful day I have been welcomed with.”
xx
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Posted in Beauty | No comments

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Mad Looks

Posted on 9:15 AM by fjtrfjf
While sinking into our Sunday shows the other night, the hubs and I poured ourselves some wine, nestled into our comfy couch (3 dogs deep!) and contemplated two very different alternate realities.
I asked him "would you rather live in the Mad Men world, or the Entourage world?" His answer was surprising (and a bit disconcerting, if you ask me!) But that's the thing about love... you gotta forgive.
Can you guess mine?

(Sigh) I love everything about this era! Well, in clothing anyway. And I'm constantly trying to find a way to reinvent the 60's into modern wear.

As I hunt through my (almost organized!) closet, for some Mad Men-ish delights, I realize why I love fashion so much...
It's simply the little girl in me... Playing dress up!
And I vow to make her world as magical as it is in my head.

For munchie (and the little girls in all of us!)

With Love xx
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Posted in Fashion, Thrift, Vintage | No comments

Monday, August 16, 2010

Ray of Light

Posted on 9:16 AM by fjtrfjf
Hello, beauties!


As the week approaches, and your hectic day begins, take a moment to catch a glimpse of sunlight peering through a window, that ray of magic revealing the day.

Close your eyes and revel in the memory of that one great kiss.

And remember that any troubles you may be having today, always pass and disappear into tomorrow.

Knock em' dead, girls!

{PS - Don't forget to stop by my side project for the chance to win some amazing hair product!}

xx
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Posted in Friendship, Love, Photography | No comments

Saturday, August 14, 2010

How to apply false lashes

Posted on 12:59 PM by fjtrfjf
Here are a few tips for one of my favorite, most glamorous looks. Fake eyelashes are so bold, so fun and they really make your eyes POP.

They may seem a bit difficult to apply, but with a little practice (and my secret little handy tool!) they're a cinch!

Now first things first. Curl your real lashes and apply two coats of your favorite mascara. This is what will help the lashes stick.

Here's what you'll need to get started:

A full flirty lash. I prefer a strip over the individual ones, as they're much easier to apply (and even more fabulously bold!) I also prefer (believe it or not) the less expensive drug-store ones. Revlon and Ardell both do really great lashes that you can get for just dollars.
Tip: unless you have incredibly beautiful, large almond-shaped eyes, (and if you do, I hate you) I always cut off about an inch of the lash on the inner corner ~ (leaving the longest lashes for the outter edge of your eye.)

Eyelash glue:

This lash glue works great. Use sparingly and run a thin line of glue along the strip of the lash. Blow gently on the glue and let it set for about 3 seconds before applying to your lid. Leave a little space empty of just your natural lash on the inner corner.

Now's here my special trick/tool:
Metal salon hair clips!

You probably have one or two of these just thrown in your makeup drawer, and if you don't - get some. They are amazing for helping you blowdry sections of your hair and also when applying lashes!

Once you apply the lashes to your eyelid, use the hair clip to press into your lash line and keep the glue in place. Repeat the motion while pushing the lashes up in a curling motion.


Once it dries, resist the urge to add more mascara. You won't need it. Use a little black eyeliner to disguise any glue or separation between your real lashes and the strip. Go easy on the lips - gloss or a nice nude will balance out your look.

Enjoy being gorgeous. xx
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Posted in Beauty, How To | No comments

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Vintage Valentino, a love story.

Posted on 8:45 AM by fjtrfjf
One of my best friends arrived from New York for a production job in LA, got off the plane, knocked on my door, and announced we were going to an insane birthday bash for WEN hair product creator, Chaz Dean.
It was the perfect excuse and opportunity to wear that vintage Valentino that has been hanging in my closet just begging to be taken out for a test run.
Inspired by my recent trip to NY, and the MET'S American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity, I was going for that whole flapper feel with a hint of boho, and modern chic...


The night was a divine experience, full of food, photos, and friends surrounding the fabulous birthday boy with so much love...



If you haven't tried WEN haircare products yet, you are truly missing out. Stop by Lady Symposium for behind the scenes red carpet photo's at the event and enter to win a giveaway of WEN products!*

We love you, Chaz! Happy Birthday!! xx

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Posted in Fashion, Friendship, Love, Vintage | No comments
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      • Created with Love
      • After Party
      • Handwritten with Love
      • BCBG Max Azria Fall 2010
      • Birthday Party Planning
      • Sissy Time
      • Pigtails for grownups?
      • Giveaways Galore!
      • Mad Looks
      • Ray of Light
      • How to apply false lashes
      • Vintage Valentino, a love story.
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