Valentines Day Crafting Party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For lent this year I have decided to give up "not blogging" which means you will be seeing lots more of me (I am really hoping someone cheered after reading that). Anyways, I wanted to share some pictures from a Valentines Crafting Party I had at my apartment this past weekend for a very special little eight year old.  Just because you are throwing a party for two and/or your guest list includes no one over the age of ten doesn't mean you can't include lots of festive details. 

I picked up these adorable petit fours at Sweet Celebrations.  The gold plated silverware was picked up from a vintage store in Knoxville.  For the centerpieces I picked up roses from the local grocery store, trimmed the leaves and stems, and cut them so they would gather right at the opening of the containers.  For the vases I used a cocktail shaker (with the top removed), a rocks glass, and a Marc Blackwell glass (similar here).  I arranged them on a vintage mirrored tray I found on Ebay.  

We had such a great time making valentines & decorating sugar cookies.  To make valentines I just picked up several packs of blank cards and envelopes- some kraft paper, some red, and some white.  I bought ribbon, pre-glittered stickers (saves so much time and makes less of a mess), some fun paint, and calligraphy markers. To write on the sugar cookies I made a piping bag out of a zip-lock baggie.  You simply scrape the frosting into the bag with a spatula, push it all towards one corner, and snip a tiny bit off the end. 

 I can't wait to throw a bigger (and possibly more adult friendly) party next year. My wish for all of you is that your Valentine's day is full of love!  XOXO!

-a.e.h.

Shop my favorite v-day finds here:

DIY Bridal Shower

I threw a bridal shower for my Best Friend, Whitney, this past weekend.  I couldn't wait to share some of the pictures with you.  Whitney is very laid back, natural, and has a great sense of style (she is a personal shopper for JCrew).  I really wanted to incorporate all of those things into the shower to make it more personalized.  I hope you enjoy this peek at all of the details!



I love to cook, but I hate to bake so I always order my cakes when I am doing events.  I ordered a 10 inch cake and an 8 inch cake with buttercream icing and no trim. Since they usually charge more for tiered cakes it is an easy money saver to order two smaller cakes and assemble yourself. To decorate the cake I bought several small containers of succulents. I cleaned them in the sink by pulling them out of their containers and snipping the stem down to a quarter of an inch- just enough to be able to stick into the cake.  I gave them a good soap and water bath and then positioned them all of the cake. If you cut the stem too short, simply stick a toothpick down the center of the remaining stem and then position onto the cake. 



I wanted Whitney to be able to take something home from the shower that was really special so I had everyone write her advice, funny memories, and words of encouragement.  I cut out the banner from a roll of kraft paper and then used acrylic paint for the lettering.  I attached it to a cork board that I made earlier this year. 

I always use The Happy Envelope for my invitations.  They are wonderful! 
If you are a bride-to-be, contact them!

We made terrariums out of apothecary jars and mixed them with terracotta plants full of rosemary and lavender and tea cups filled with succulents. 

To make the custom champagne labels I soaked the bottles in warm, soapy water for 1 hour.  I used a scouring pad to scrape the part of the label that wouldn't peel off.  I cut out rectangles out of kraft paper and used acrylic paint to make the design. I used a spray adhesive to attach the label to the bottle.

Shop the brides look here: Dress, necklace

-a.e.h.

The Fit & Flare Dress

When Net-a-Porter speaks I listen, and I felt that it was my duty to share what they are calling, "the dress silhouette of the season". Because of the comfortable fit, this silhouette is great to take from day to night.  Find a fit and flare dress for every budget.  

Check out the ..Splurge...or the...Steal.

Shop more fit & flare looks below...

-a.e.h.

Currently Obsessed

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

If you want to stay up-to-date on my latest finds follow me on Pinterest & "stalk me" on Currently Obsessed. 

-a.e.h.

#The New "Carrie" Necklace

In 1998 when Carrie Bradshaw first wore her nameplate necklace on Sex and the City it became an instant classic.  If you love the look but are wanting something a little more 2012- look no further!  Baublebar has come out with the twitter nameplate necklace.  It is perfect for a "modern-day social media maven".   The necklaces come in three colors: silver, gold, and rose gold.  They are priced at $88.00 and make a great gift!  Since they are personalized- allow 5-8 weeks for delivery. 

What do you think of the twitter nameplate necklace? I'm loving it!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter!

-a.e.h.

Life Lately: A Few Snapshots

Last month I was in Nashville for work and got to spend some time with the girls from the new Calypso St. Barth boutique in Nashville.  I wanted to share a couple pictures from their adorable booth at the Nashville Pink Bridal Show.  I also moved into my new apartment last month and have been slowly piecing it together.  I have been doing lots of painting and trying to pick up things here and there.  One of my favorite finds (from Spin Vintage) was a yellow patent leather ice bucket. It is the perfect addition to my bar!  My mom surprised me this week with a big piece of amethyst as an early valentines present. I am obsessed. I can't wait to add it to my bookshelves or set atop of some lovely coffee table books.  

I plan weddings for a living but have never been in one (I was once asked to be a flower girl but the wedding was called off- long story).  As of lately, this has all changed. I am currently doing double duty as a bridesmaid and wedding planner for two of my best friends (Whitney and Caroline). I am beyond excited!  I am so dedicated to making my friends' days perfect that my boyfriend has started calling me maid-zilla.  Oops. Caroline sent me the yummy cookie from the photo to ask me to be a part of her wedding.  Isn't it cute?! 

I apologize for all the rambling. 

I am feeling very blessed! 

Have a wonderful day!

-a.e.h.

Bedroom Inspiration

All images via pinterest

Next week I am officially moving into my very own apartment.  This will be the first time I have lived without roommates, which means I am furnishing the apartment on my own (be watching for some DIY posts in the near future). This is a bit of a problem since I don't really own any substantial pieces.  Truthfully, I am completely unprepared for the move.  My strategy is to move in with the few pieces I have and slowly build my collection.  I am trying to avoid moving in with a ton of furniture I hate.  My plan may change after a couple of weeks of dining on the floor (I will keep you updated).  Anyways, I decided to start the decorating process in my bedroom.  I wanted to share some of the rooms I am drawing inspiration from. Enjoy!  

If you want to look at all the things that I am inspired by- follow me on pinterest!

-a.e.h.

The holiday season has been super busy so I apologize for not blogging much!  To quickly catch you up- I am ending 2011 with a New Years Eve wedding AND two of my very best friends got engaged over Christmas!  I am beyond excited to be planning their weddings in 2012!  I promise I will be back to blogging soon! Until then, follow my pinterest page to see my latest inspiration for all of my 2012 events. 

You can also keep up with my latest obsessions by "stalking me" CurrentlyObsessed.me!

-a.e.h.