I’m a mom and with that I wear many hats, one of which is a semi-professional online shopper. Okay, maybe not so much a profession as it is an addiction, but what’s not to love about the convenience of online commerce? Computer, iPhone, iPad…I’ve got the one-handed-browse-and-purchase routine down. Luckily, I’m also a bargain hunter…most of the time.

So in honor of Mother’s Day approaching on May 12th, I put together this board with some of my favorite online items for the mom in your life – whether it’s yourself, your mom, friends who are moms, or a mom-like figure…here are a few things that can show you care – with just a click of a mouse. Easily send a personalized Mother’s Day Card {2} from Treat.com (the newest member to the Shutterfly and TinyPrints family), personalize and buy online and they’ll even mail to your recipient for you – how amazing is that? As much as I love the online world, nothing beats getting a card in the real mail. Speaking of loving things, have you noticed the macaron {3} trend lately? Now these beautiful and delicious treats can be ordered and mailed…fabulous, right? And if your looking for a little freebie, download my Celebrate Mom printable banner for a little festive decor (each letter is individual – so use for other occasions, too!). Resource guide to all the items shown is below the image. Happy shopping and Happy early Mother’s Day to all you mamas out there! xo



{Resources} 1. Vintage Pinboard. $39.95 | 2. Greeting Cards from Treat.com, $1.99+ :: birthday :: mother’s day | 3. La Petite Sucre Macarons, $22+, photo credit La Petite Sucre | 4. Summer Tote, $148.00 | 5. Free Celebrate Mom – Free Printable Banner, Le Partie Sugar | 6. Ikat Apron, $36.95 | 7. Tiramasu French Toast Recipe, photo credit How Sweets Eats

This morning I was taking a look at my Pinterest boards for some inspiration on some upcoming parties I’m planning, and realized I had quite a few heart products pinned. So with Valentine’s Day next Thursday I put together a quick inspiration board with some of my favorite heart items. Get out your crafting hat on and get happy by making some heart garland, or dress up your cupcakes with these adorable heart toppers (I’ve used these before here)! Resources below the photo, and check out my other Valentine’s Day inspiration board and my free Valentine’s Day Card printables.



{Resources} :: 1. Heart Cupcake Toppers | 2. Heart Stirrers | 3. 3D Heart Garland | 4. Heart Garland | 5. Heart Magnets

A couple things happened recently, culminating in this inspiration board…first my Serena and Lily catalog arrived last week, and second I came across the adorable Lobster Sugar Cookies from Sugar Lane Bake Shop on Etsy and immediately fell in love! So after dreaming of a Summer Lobster Bake Party all night, I put together this party inspiration board. The bold red, aqua and navy color theme give a nod to the nautical nature of this bash, complimented with neutral touches of natural wood and burlap. Eating lobster is notoriously messy, so use the nautical-stamped burlap bags {2} to store the “lobster bib” and toilettes and place on each person’s plate (or in a basket if keeping it casual). And how cute are those mason jar lidded cups {6}…yes, please! If you’re feeling inspired, check out the resource links below – fun ideas for a wedding shower, rehearsal dinner or just-because dinner party!



Resources | {1} Piazza Outdoor String Lights, serena & lily | {2} Hand-Stenciled Burlap Bags, etsy | {3} Lobster Sugar Cookies, etsy | {4} Lobster Napkins, caspari | {5} Fresco Beverage Bowl, serena & lily | {6} Mason Jar Tumbler, etsy | {7} Riviera Arm Chair, serena & lily | {8} Poppy Awning Stripe Throw, serena & lily | {9} Woven Rattan Lanterns, serena & lily |

How is Valentine’s Day under a month away? I feel like I’m still regrouping from the holiday madness…but with all the adorable red, pink and white stuff out there, it’s time to give in! Here are a few items I’m loving right now on Etsy, all of which would be perfect additions to any Valentine’s Day shindig you’re hosting.

Dress up your cupcakes with these incredibly unique show-stopping pinwheel cupcake toppers {2}, add a pop of color to your dessert table with these beautiful red velvet heart macaroons {4}, and show your drinks some love with these adorable red heart straws {1}. Having an adult dinner party? Bring out the inner-child in your dinner guests with these felt fortune cookies {3}, put them at each person’s placesetting and get some laughs as everyone read’s their Valentine’s fortune at the end of the evening. And don’t forget to send your guests home with something sweet, wrap up these pink and red swirl lollipops {6} with some “be my valentine” ribbon {5} for an easy and pretty favor. Resource links below the photos, happy shopping!

{Shopping Resources} :: 1. Heart Straws, $3.50 for 15 straws {photo credit hwtm.com} | 2. Pinwheel Cupcake Toppers, $6 for 12 Pinwheels | 3. Felt Fortune Cookies, $22 for a dozen | 4. Red Velvet Heart Macaroons | 5. “Be My Valentine” Ribbon, $10 for four yards | 6. X & O Lollipops, $12 for four lollipops

With Thanksgiving only a two weeks away from today, it’s time to get the Thanksgiving table set. I love incorporating candles into the centerpiece –  they’re inexpensive, can be used again and create gorgeous light. Here are a couple different ways to incorporate candles on your Thanksgiving table! I’m also in the process of designing a little Thanksgiving Partie Kit with some labels and menu cards for your table. Come back tomorrow to check it out!

{Sources} | 1. Outdoor Table | 2. Wooden Vase + Floating Candles | 3. Mason Jars Votives | 4. Cornhusk Votives

I’ve been kinda obsessed with Luna Bazaar for a few years now, and I know I’m not the only one. Luna Bazaar has been featured in tons of magazines including Martha Stewart, Brides, Real Simple and Lucky. And it’s no surprise, since the online retailer has pretty much anything you would need for party decor and supplies. So for some of you, this post may not contain any new information but hopefully for the rest you’ll be able to add this to your list of party resources.

From paper lanterns, string lights, candle votives to tissue fans and parasols there is something for everyone – plus everything comes in at least six color options, making it easy to find something to coordinate for your event. Below are a few things that I love from Luna Bazaar, inventory is constantly changing, and the site even offers FREE returns. Gotta love that, right?


{Sources} 1. String Lights | 2. Mercury Glass Ornaments | 3. Tissue Fans | 4. Vintage Candle Votives | 5. Paper Lanterns | 6. Ikat Rice Paper Votive | 7. Placecard Holders

As promised last week, here is the Milk & Cookies Shower inspiration board. Hope this provides you with some thought-starters for hosting your own milk & cookies themed party. I love this theme because it’s so versatile, I mean who doesn’t love milk and cookies? It could work for a baby shower, sprinkle, bridal shower or kid’s birthday celebration. So easy to set-up, which makes it possible for the hostess to enjoy the party as well!

Party Tips and the “where to buy” links are below the inspiration board, and the shower invitations shared last week are available on my Etsy shop in pink + mint green, aqua + orange and yellow + grey (and there will be coordinating party pieces very soon!).


{Where To Buy} 1. Tissue Fans (image source, Kara’s Party Ideas) | 2. Stripey Straws (image source, Pippi’s Marketplace) | 3. Individual Milk Bottles  | 4. Pink Decorated Cookies | 5. Pink Favor Bags | 6. Chocolate Chip Cookies and Milk Shots

And lastly, if I were throwing this party here’s what I would keep in mind:

• Have 4 – 5 different types of cookies, make sure and cover your chocolate-lovers and those who prefer a simple sugar cookie. Also be sure to have your guest of honor’s favorite cookie!
• Chocolate, plain and strawberry milk are fun combinations to serve and add some nice color, but keep in mind anyone who may have milk allergies (soy and almond milk are nice alternatives).
• At the end of the party, have your guests fill up their favor bags with their favorite cookies to take home.
• Shop Sweet Lulu  and My Little Love are great online shops carrying varying colors for disposable plates, napkins and utensils as well as those adorable stripey straws, tissue fans and favor bags. And I just love tissue fans, they’re super affordable and add such festive pop of color to your party!

Football season is here and in my household that means it’s time to start breaking out the football “tailgate” food. Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium, or having a few friends over to watch the games – here are some food suggestions to help you plan your menu. Show some team spirit and find subtle ways to coordinate the food items with your favorite team – being Colts fan, I can’t wait to make some Blue Velvet Cupcakes! Enjoy your weekend and cheering on your teams!

{Sources} 1. Ice Cold Beer (taken on my balcony) | 2. Pepperoni Pizza Puffs | 3. Fresh Homemade Guacamole | 4. Chicken and White Bean Chili | 5. Apricot Glazed BBQ Chicken | 6. Blue Velvet Cupcakes

Hard to believe it is the “end” of summer this weekend…but Labor Day Weekend will be here this Friday. So in honor of the upcoming holiday weekend, here is a little food inspiration for a weekend picnic – a few of my favorite summer-time flavors to enjoy before the season officially passes us by! So plop down a blanket in your backyard and invite some friends over for some food, drinks and end-of-summer fun!

{Sources} 1. Grilled Burgers with Meyer Lemon Butter | 2. A Sweet Tea Sipper Cocktail | 3. Grilled Corn | 4. Jones Soda Pop | 5. Roasted Sweet Potato Skewers with Jalapeno Cilantro Aioli | 6. Roasted Peach Ice Cream Sandwich