i simply adore these little (and big) paper flowers….they are from the MARTHA STEWART line, you can find them at MICHAEL’s….they are relatively easy to make & just adorable….the little ones are great for adorning gifts or hair….and look so sweet in little hands or vases….the big ones can be hung from the ceiling & transform a space instantly….plus they will never ever wilt….i love them….xoxo

“one perfect morning i was all alone
listening to the blaze of summer
drifting
i was falling
i was floating in a golden haze
breathing in the sky blue sounds
of memories of other days

and in my dreams i was a child
flowers in my mouth and in my eyes
and i was floating through the colours of a sky
up to the stars and angels

up up up to heaven
up up up forever
up up up to heaven
up up up forever”

To The Sky
THE CURE

days go by & clutter gathers here & there….somebody’s shoes in the hall way….an ever growing pile of laundry…a forgotten bowl silently sits on the counter, practically mocking you….the lists reminding you of the lists you need to get to are getting longer…and as all of this seems to ebb & flow, as if with a life of it’s own, plans of it’s own….remember to pause & smile….because it is all of these imperfect & unpredictable life details that make your house a home sweet & lovely home……xoxoxo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!

six years ago today i gave birth to my sweet little son….i remember when the doctor told me i was having a little boy…i was so happy & yet a bit concerned….what did i know about boys?? how could i raise a man?? yet as they placed this beautiful boy into my arms, my heart melted around him & i knew he would teach me everything i would need to know….he is miraculous….funny & strong….he can play endlessly in the dirt & loves to curl up in my lap and touch a single strand of my hair….he does it with such gentle indifference, as if it belongs to him….i secretly think he’ll fall in love with a girl with long dark hair…he’ll just feel at home with her….and i will smile & always remember the boy who absently reached for my hair to twirl in his fingers….his secret’s safe with me….i love to watch him run like the wind & explain the incredible journeys his toy cars go on…he has taught me everything i need to know about boys & more…his heart is full of emotions that his mind doesn’t always understand…but they are there, quietly, distinctly beneath the surface…my little sweet prince.

xoxo

get married is creating a magazine & i am so honored to have photographed the cover!!

the cover table scape was beautifully designed by mark held (owner of mark’s garden)…mark’s florals were amazing & brought the table to life….it was a pleasure to photograph his creation….and i am excite to see the premier issue hit stands on october 1st, 2009…..get married magazine (the shopping and trend guide for the savvy bride) will be a “hip & diverse wedding magazine….more style & shopping ideas…think Lucky or Domino for weddings” says get married magazine’s executive editor stephanie davis…keep an eye out for this new wedding magazine, it will be a feast for the eyes & heart.

stephanie knows a thing or two about love & wedding planning….she will be tying the knot this fall!

kiss & tell….

“our first kiss was at a mutual friend’s wedding shower….he was a groomsmen & i was a bridesmaid…we talked all through the wedding shower & at the end of the evening, he kissed me….we’ve been inseperable ever since & cannot wait to get married!”

-stephanie davis
 get married magazine 

 

 

ice cream cupcakes make everyone smile….this adorable idea was suggested by my sister while i was planning my oldest’s birthday party….the kids loved the them & treated them like ice cream cones…

not only were these cupcakes adorable, they were also scrumptious & easy to make….

ICE CREAM CUPCAKES

ice cream cones
M&M’s
cupcakes
frosting
sprinkles
candles

be sure to get the flat bottom cones so you can stand them up….put some M&M’s (or any little treat you like) in the bottom of the cones….fill it up about an inch or so (this will be a surprise to everyone once they get down to the bottom of the cone)….then take a frosted cupcake and turn it upside down on top of the cone….the frosting acts like glue, so the cupcake stays in place….then simply frost the rest of the cupcake…when you are finished you’ll be surprised how much it looks like a real ice cream cone (we added sprinkles & candles)…get creative & have fun…they’d be super cute at a wedding too!

xoxo

The Keys to My Heart
(in no particular order)

love KISSES sweet dreams CHOCOLATE laughter ANTIQUE STORES my children HOT COFFEE hot tea SHOES SHOES SHOES whispers PEDICURES foot rubs KISSES smiles ALMOND BUTTER lazy afternoons PHOTOGRAPHS cuddles HUGS a long walk with no where to go LOVE  pajamas SCRAMBLED EGGS honey GARDENS clean sheets FILM FILM FILM kisses SLEEPING IN day dreaming LOVELINESS honesty LEMONS tenderness MY HUSBAND baths TREES spaghetti squash KINDNESS the soft space nestled just between being awake & asleep GENUINE AFFECTION poetry SWEETNESS sparkling water TENDERNESS kisses for no reason at all RED WINE down comforters MUSIC humility FRIENDSHIP sweet peas LAVENDER my really old mercedes sedan MOVIES blueberries ORGANIC ANYTHING really soft sweaters SAND BENEATH MY TOES sunglasses PAELLA organization with just a hint of chaos LOYALTY full lips AVOCADOS hand written letters on pretty paper LIP GLOSS the perfect pair of jeans VINTAGE ANYTHING stationary KISSES the sound of my husbands voice RAINY DAYS affection TRUTH memories FAMILY ner ner bird HANDMADE ANYTHING high heels LIFE artists FLOWERS deep dark chocolate truffles SELFLESSNESS unexpected blessings ANGELS blowing bubbles APPRECIATION headpieces & veils GENTLENESS holding hands WEDDINGS newborn babies LAUGHTER wood floors CURLS pillows HOPE a good book & time to read it CROWNS soft kisses SPOONING talking on the phone TOMATOES unexpected generosity FUGI APPLES beautiful lingerie FOG my wedding ring LOVE wishes INSPIRATION almost any shade of grey TEARS sprinklers LIMES incense CLOUDS and kisses

several years ago i photographed the wedding of  luca’s mommy & daddy…..we have since become close friends…their family is oh so lovely & i have fallen head over heals in love with little miss luca

luca’s mommy is a stunning beauty & such a wonderful mother….

life…love…kisses…luca

this elegant black tie wedding literally took my breath away….

from the stunning MONIQUE LHUILLIER dress to the perfect florals by END DESIGN

everything was perfect….san francisco based event planner JOANNIE LISS was amazing…

xoxo