Boardwalk Empresses

Have you seen HBO's new 12-part Series, Boardwalk Empire? If you haven't, I highly recommend catching up; this week will be episode 3. The series is set in Atlantic City in the 20's amidst the prohibition and chronicles the gangsters who got rich off bootlegging.


The sets and wardrobe are to die for and the female characters are both flirty + fun and sweet + feminine. (The show is worth watching for their hairstyles, makeup, and outfits, alone).



This VF shoot makes me want to gather up a couple of girlfriends and spend the weekend frolicking on the beach.


See more of the photos taken by Ellen Von Unwerth for Vanity Fair (taken at the Catalina Beach Club, in New York) here. Thanks to La Dulchi Vida for the heads up on this shoot.

Ming Makes Cupcakes

Have you ever stumbled upon this delicious site? If you haven't, I'd highly suggest it. I have yet to bake one of her sweet or savoury treats; however, these three are on my "to bake" list. (I'm pretty sure cupcake 17 would make anyone's bad day turn upside down, don't you?)

She updates her site regularly (+ she has a "cookies" section, if that's what you prefer with your cup of tea).

Happy Sunday, everyone. What are your plans for the first weekend of Autumn?

My grandma and grandpa are in town today and I couldn't be more excited.

Miranda Karkling

This post might just make me burst with excitement.

I am thrilled to announce that my very talented friend Miranda has recently launched her much anticipated website. Miranda's professional work has graced the pages of my blog many times and her friendship has graced many years of my life. I am so very excited for her; she deserves all the success in the world.

Her site is full of beautiful faces (humans and animals alike) and also highlights her wedding and engagement work. You might recognize one of the couples...

To make things even more exciting, the fair-haired lovely featured in this shoot is my beautiful sister! (Love you, J).

Visit MirandaKarkling.com for contact information and to view more of her stunning work.


Photos Courtesy of Miranda Karkling Photography

Party Staple {bunting, part 2}

I've posted about my love for bunting before; however, never has it looked so pretty!

These rustic fabric squares work so perfectly with this outdoor vineyard venue. Don't they remind you of quilting squares? I love the frayed edges.


Photos by Tanja Lippert Photography via Style Me Pretty

. . .

View the original the Party Staple {bunting} post, here.

Non-Cake Cakes

My sweet tooth may have driven this post; however, I'm not going to apologize as these delectable non-cake cakes are too fantastic not to share. I'm not sure which I'd prefer to bite into first... what's your pleasure?



I particularly enjoy the use of sparklers in both presentations.


Macaroon Cake photographed by Marianne Taylor via Oh Hello! + Cherry Blossom Girl. Oreo Cake photographed by Paul Costello for Martha Stewart Living, September 2010, via Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

Glittery Alphabet

I love this couple's use of sparkly letters to categorize their escort cards and label the card table. They did a fabulous job of incorporating colour in a vintage and whimsical manner throughout the rest of their wedding.

Repurposed doors and vintage luggage always may me swoon. (+ Don't you just LOVE that satin ribbon?)


Photos by Jonas Peterson via Ruffled.

Party Staple {sparklers}

There is something so magical about a bride + groom's exit amidst a tunnel of sparklers. What a fun way to bid adieu and revel in the last moments of a special day.

Photo by Chris+Lynn

Photo by Jamie Clayton via Love and Lavender

Photo by Keefer Photography via Once Wed

That's it. I'm picking up "sparklers" on my next trip to the hardware store. They are far too fun (and they'd be perfect for our Thanksgiving trip to the cabin)!

When was the last time you played with sparklers?

Table for fifty

I adore everything about this tablescape. The flowers, the place settings, the fact that it's on a beautiful patio with twinkly lights while the sun is setting. Gorgeous.


I really enjoy the idea of the entire wedding sitting at one table. Have you ever dined this way?


Photo by Michael and Anna Costa Photography

Playful + Pink

One cannot go wrong with bunting, confetti, and balloons. When one's party is in a forest in France, the coolness factor goes up tenfold. I adore all of the whimsical details of this wedding (+ the bride and groom are pretty cute, too).




To see more of this gorgeous event, check out Once Wed or the bride's fabulous fashion blog.


Photos captured by Marianne Taylor via Once Wed.

Away I go

This quote embodies my mantra these days.

I'm raring to go and chomping at the bit, enjoying every minute of this course + the inspiration it brings from this woman.

It's so refreshing to challenge myself in a new way + through new mediums. I'm getting my hands dirty and throwing inhibitions to the wind and it's all kinds of awesome.

This weekend: Jillian is here for a visit and we are in need of a weekend of catching up, drinking wine, eating delicious food, and laughing hysterically. I.Can't.Wait. A trip to Sun Peaks is also on the docket (if the rain holds off).

What are your plans for the weekend? Is it really September 17th already?!


Photo of this print courtesy of Mr Yen

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

When I received word of this event via my monthly WWF Panda Mail I began arranging plans to be in Vancouver to take part + cleanup the coastline. To my delight, I discovered that there are 100's of 'Cleanups' taking part all over the province (+ country) along our many lakes, rivers, and ponds!


Although the Kamloops Cleanup isn't until the 22nd, Vancouverites can take part starting this weekend!

Search for the clean up nearest you, here.


Bring your gloves, bring your kids, and bring your love for the natural beauty that is Canada.


Rock on, mother earth.

Have a fantastic weekend.


Photos via the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup event page

Oh, Vera.

Be still my heart...


Once in a while a dress comes along that makes me gasp.out.loud.

Enter Vera Wang via dress, design & decor.

I am absolutely smitten with this gown. The layered tulle and black sash are styled perfectly with the messy up 'do, chunky bangle, and simple makeup.

Consider yourself filed, my pretty.

Scanned photo from the Fall MSW via dress, design & decor

Jonas Peterson

I've been an admirer of his work for quite some time now and his ability to capture pure emotion from his subjects ceases to amaze me. I could write an entire article about this wedding; however, I've chosen to let the photos speak for themselves.
See more of the wedding Jonas perfectly describes as Simple yet exclusive. Lavish yet understated. here.












So many weddings circulating the blogosphere are filled with too much of what I will affectionately call 'fluff.' Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a clever DIY or personalized detail as much as the next wedding planner. I just feel that sometimes these over-the-top displays of decor distract from the event at hand.

This wedding is the perfect example of how to let the bride and groom be the stars of their own wedding and how to let the natural beauty of one's venue speak for itself. It is simply a stunning collection.


Photos courtesy of the amazing Jonas Peterson.

Scandinavian Pride

Let it be known: Norwegians have fabulous style. Considering the plethora of amazing vintage pieces I inherited from my great great Norwegian Aunt (yes, that was two "greats") I shouldn't have been surprised that a shop called Norwegian Wood would be equally as eclectic and full of punch.




This is just a smattering of my favourite pieces (aren't those fringe necklaces fantastic)?! For more goodies, check out the shop.

All photos courtesy of Norwegian Wood.

Shelf Envy

If self organization is an art form then this example is a masterpiece.


I love everything about this wall: the collection of framed pieces, the height of the shelf, the simplistic-yet-thoughtful organization of the books, and especially the lamps.

As interior design is my new side-project, I'm ecstatic for the new Lonnymag.com (& I have spent the better part of the evening drooling over it).


Photo via Lonnymag.com

Mid-Week Party

I'm over the moon for these decorations by Confetti System!


I don't think I'd ever be able to smash this fancy crystal pinata. (In fact, I think I'd rather hang it in my living room like a disco ball).

And wouldn't these to-die-for garlands add a festive touch to any space?




Don't they make you want to throw a fabulous party with confetti and sparklers?



Check out their shop for more lovelies.

Photos Courtesy of Confetti System