Wedding Update / Nosegay Bouquets

If you've ever read the archives of this blog or followed it a couple years back, you might recall that I was once planning a wedding. Well I'm happy to say, that after a few moves, job changes and graduate programs the wedding is back on. We're finally getting married this coming October and I couldnt be more happy.  I've been getting back into the swing of planning and gathering inspiration (you can see my pin board here). I still have a lot of work ahead of me but one thing I know for sure is that I'd like small nosegay bouquets for myself and my maids. I really like these wildflower ones from an old J. Crew catalog. Aren't they sweet?

Images scanned from the J. Crew August 2009 catalog.

Crisp + Clean

Loving the crisp, clean look of these two spaces in the latest issue of House Beautiful.

House Beautiful February 2012 Issue

Image Credits: Kitchen: Nickey Kehoe, Designer / Amy Neunsinger, Photographer Bathroom: Bunny Williams, Designer / Thomas Loof, Photographer

Margaret Howell S/S 2012 Favorites

Margaret Howell's 2012 Spring/Summer Collection is, as usual, the perfect mix of timelessness and utility. Anchored in classic shapes and decorated with the best from bold stripes to tiny dots and reliable solids - this collection exudes quintessential summer wear. Flip through the slideshow above to see my top picks.

Images via Glamour UK

See my faves from past collections, here and here.

Weekend!

Hope you all had a wonderful week! As usual, I'm looking forward to a semi-relaxing weekend, getting caught up on chores and groceries after a long week of work. What will you be up to?

Image: iPhone image I snapped of a page in the new issue of Martha Stewart Living. You can follow me on instgram, here!

Apartment Project / Shelf Backing

One of the next apartment projects on my list is organizing/prettying the built-in shelving in my bathroom and possibly kitchen. In addition to organizing the actual objects, I'm looking for something to spruce up the backs of the shelves. Since this is a rental space I don't want to invest in anything too labor intensive or expensive. So, rather than paint or expensive wallpaper, I'm thinking a pretty roll of contact paper might do the trick. So far, I really like these two styles pictured here and priced under $6 each. I'm almost positive that Miller's (our local hardware store) has the top one. What do you think? Any experiences with contact paper lining, good/bad?

Contact Papers: Print 1, Print 2

Read More about my Apartment Makeover: 

• Oxford Striped Sheets
• Apartment Inspiration: Chris Barret's Small Place
• Apartment Bathroom Inspiration
• Jennifer Koehlers 200 Sq. Ft. Apartment

Jenna Rose Handmade Baskets + Hampers

I'm loving Jenna Rose's handmade, canvas baskets and hampers. Cute and collapsible - perfect for tiny living spaces like mine. 

Image from Jenna Rose's Etsy shop

PORTLAND TRIP / Broder

One of my favorite places from our trip to Portland was Broder, a very cozy, little Swedish restaurant in the SE part of the city. We went to Broder for dinner on a cold, rainy night (actually the only night it rained on the trip) and it was perfect. The food was heart warmingly delicious, thankfully not too pricey - and the setting was quaint and casual. Everything was served in the most, simple cutest dishes and glasses - and the kitchen was completely open, giving it a very homey intimate feel.

There were only two guys working - one cooking, one serving. The server was great and very friendly. He talked to us for awhile and even suggested some places for to check out while we were in town.

I ordered a hot tea with cream and the Swedish Meatball dinner with potato pancakes and sautaeed greens for the sides. Everything was super tasty and hit the spot. 

If you're ever in the area - I highly recommend! 

BRODER / 2508 Southeast Clinton Street  Portland, OR 97202

(503) 736-3333