Lately

Sorry for the radio silence around here...It's moving week and between work, travel, friends and packing, there isn't time for too much else! Memorial Day weekend was just about perfect, spending time with my family was just what I needed. Plenty of sister-time + puppy-time was the perfect way to recharge.

But here's what I've been up to lately:



Happy Friday!

P.S. This song is on repeat. The genius of Beyonce covered by the love of my life John Mayer?! Amazing.

photos via instagram

picnic time

picnic basket | tumblers | turkish towel | sunnies | cocktail napkins

Memorial Day means it is officially al fresco season! That means picnics in parks and cocktails on patios, some of my favorite pastimes. Warmer weather is the perfect excuse to go out and buy this picnic basket, right?? 

Happy long weekend!

image created via polyvore

a match made in heaven: j.crew for paperless post

When I heard about this collaboration all I could think was, "yes!" (not surprising considering my obsession with J.Crew). Paperless Post is such a great resource for greeting cards, they have a really cute selection for every possible greeting you could think of. The best part is that you can send these as e-cards or order actual paper cards! (Because we should all be sending more snail mail...)

Here are my faves:

P.S. This one would be especially great for Father's Day coming up!

images via paperless post

decor daydream: on a budget

Big things are happening! I can officially say that I am moving into my own apartment in just a few short weeks. This is something I've been wanting to do for quite some time now, and I'm so excited to cross this goal off of my 101 in 1001 list!

So while yesterday's post featured some of my favorite decorating ideas (hellooo navy couch!), I need to take a much more budget-friendly approach to decorating. At the moment I don't have enough furniture to fill the space (good problem), so I'm on the hunt for some wallet-friendly (yet, classic) furniture. It's amazing what you can find at Target and Ikea when you know what you're looking for...just layer in a few splurge-worthy items here and there and voila!

Here's my vision:

chair | fiddle leaf tree | end table 

lamp | lampshade | rug

 sofa | pink pillows | blue pillows

smile, there's wine | pittsburgh | london | pineapple

Neutral furniture will allow for me to change accessories + accents out if I get bored, and splurging on smaller items like these pillows will layer in a little luxury! Plus, a gallery wall always makes things interesting!

image created via polyvore

decor daydream

side table | lamp | couch

fiddle leaf tree | basket | print

floral pillows | rug | geometric pillows

What if I had an unlimited budget?? I ponder that question everyday most days, multiple times a day. Sure, I'll take that Slim Aarons photograph above a gorgeous navy custom couch! Maybe someday. Until then, I'm on the hunt for some more budget friendly pieces, possibly this couch...any suggestions are welcome! (Although, this rug seems like a good deal to me!)

image created via polyvore

gifts for mom

make up | letter charms | candle | mom charm

faux flowers | initial rings | perfume | card

Mother's Day is one of the best made-up holidays in existence. My mom is amazing and I love coming up with fun gift ideas for her every year. She deserves so much more than just a simple card + gift, but just a little something to let her know I'm thinking of and appreciate her goes a long way! I love the idea of pretty much any beauty-related gift, but the personalized charms and monogrammed gifts with her kids' initials are super sweet and meaningful. What's your favorite way to say "thanks, Mom!"?

P.S. Mom, none of the above are headed your way...I'm sneakier than that!

image created via polyvore

snail mail

Snail mail seems to be a lost art these days. With the ease and convenience of e-mail and social media, a hand written note can be a rare thing. I love receiving snail mail, it takes just a little more effort than that text or e-mail…so it’s a little more meaningful. With such adorable paper goods options out there, why not start snail mailing more?! My favorite sources for cards and other paper gifts are Sugar Paper and Rifle Paper Co., they have such unique designs for every occasion. Tell me, do you still send snail mail?

Here are some of my favorite note cards:

make a wish | tickled pink | monogram | freaking awesome | thank you

P.S. I have a secret dream that I will one day be able to create calligraphy like this or this!

image via pinterest and created via polyvore

Celebrating Cinco

pillow | margarita glasses | sandals | coasters | margarita mix 

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Bring on the chips + guac, margs and tacos! 

Who doesn't love a holiday where you have an excuse to drink margaritas and eat quesadillas? Above are some Cinco entertaining essentials: a festive pillow, strawberry margs, a little monogram action (because, duh) and my favorite part...the shoes! They would be perfect to wear to any Cinco party...ok they'd be perfect to wear to anything. They remind me of Mexican paper flags, papel picado!  

And how clever are these letter-shaped churros from Studio DIY??

letter-shaped churros

images via polyvore, studio DIY

Hello, Friday!

Happy Friday! It's been a long week and I can't wait to unwind this weekend and some things done.

Here's what I'm loving today:

How amazing is this photo? Gray Malin does it again with his Bermuda series...

A little throwback Pittsburgh Dad in honor of the start of round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers! (Warning: If you're not from Pittsburgh or don't know anyone from Pittsburgh, you probably won't get this or find it that funny...sorry!)

A newly released song from Michael Jackson, with Justin Timberlake?! Yes! It's fantastic and a perfect collaboration of two amazing artists, the original song was written in the 80s and this new version translates so well into today...take a listen.
Have a great weekend!

derby style

straws | mint julep cups | dress | derby hat | sunnies | wedges

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend and when I think of the derby, I think mint juleps, big hats and Lilly dresses. I've never attended the Kentucky Derby before (it's definitely on my bucket list!), but who doesn't love a good derby-themed party? Especially if there are mint juleps!

Here's a little something for the guys, too!

bow tie | belt

images created with polyvore