Trend Alert: Chevron Love

Alright, it's Monday and if your day is going anything like mine it has been crazy bananas (and you may or may not be on your um-teenth cup of coffee). Needless to say we are going to start this week off by paying a little tribute to pattern that has been a top trend over the past few months...the chevron. It's fun, a little funky, can be a little sweet or a lot of sassy! So, with that in mind find a way to incorporate it in to your cake, a table runner, the invites, some accessories...Enjoy!!

{In love with this modern, chic table display from Amy Atlas via Ruffled

{Sweet chevron streamers via Flights of Fancy}

{Adorable chevron ombre bookmarks from Etsy}

{Wedding Chicks}

{Adorable casual place setting via On To Baby}

{Table setting via Wedding Chicks} 

{Style Me Pretty}

{Plays well with other patterns via Love The Day} 

{..or can hold its own via  Erica Obrien Cake Design}

{Chevron wall art via I Heart Nap Time} 

Earth Day- Birthday

Today we celebrate two very important things: the sustainability of our planet and the birthday of the most precious, darling, talkative, black (with green eyes) kitty EVER!

Take a minute (or two, or three) today to show a little appreciation for our planet, it doesn't have to be a huge change, just a little something- walk or bike ride instead of driving, plant a veggie garden in your backyard, open your windows and let in more natural light instead of turning on that extra lamp, shorten your shower by a couple minutes, make use of some of those materials you're recycling (my future hubby built flower boxes out of some pieces of scrap wood he found in a dumpster). It is a perfect day to sit down with your family and discuss the importance of taking small steps to save the planet and work out a feasible to do so. Most importantly, make it fun!

{Celebrate with some Earth inspired cake pops via Vanilla & Lace}

                                         

Secondly, we must pay tribute to my adorable (and perhaps the most faithful feline I've ever met as he spends countless hours by my side keeping me company) "baby" kitty's birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZIGGY-- a special can of birthday tuna awaits you!!  

Wedding Planning: It's A Family Affair

I knew the first few weeks of April were going to be hectic, but I'm not sure if I was prepared for the total extent of the chaos. I have so much to share and, as usual, not enough time to fill you all in. Let's start with current affairs: this week my fiance's mother is coming to visit us from Iowa and this got me to thinking, while I have a great relationship with my future in-laws, not every bride can say they are that lucky.  So, today I just wanted to share a couple tips for getting along, coping, and wedding planning with your significant other's family. 

Be Patient and Respectful: No matter what the issue is you should always keep in mind that these are members of your partner's family and showing them respect is a courteous gesture (and a necessary one). We all come from different values and traditions, so be patient if your future mother-in-law doesn't quite understand your wedding vision. Odds are neither of you want to intentionally offend one another and she more likely than not just wants you to be happy.  Just take the time to be friendly. 

Ignore What You Can: It's important to pick and choose your battles.  No need to turn a tiny comment into a world war, so when possible, just let things roll off your back. If something must be addressed, just be honest- not rude or hostile- but truthful; it's important to not let your emotions build up. 

It's Okay To Say "No": If the in-laws have been bombarding you with wedding demands since day one it is fine to inform them whether or not it is a feasible request. Again, just be polite and honest. Another idea if you are getting pelted by decor or vendor suggestions, but you really don't want Great Aunt Sally doing the flowers, then simply tell them you will take the suggestion into consideration. Be diplomatic about things. If, however, things are out of control and a family member is particularly overbearing, it may be important that your partner step in and diffuse the situation. 

Tangerine Tango

Pantone, the authority on color, has announced that Tangerine Tango is the 2012 Color Of The Year [to see Pantone's full Spring Color Report go here].

{Photo: Pantone}

Love it or hate it, you better get use to it since it is popping up everywhere from eyeshadow to throw pillows. And undoubtedly, it will be making an appearance at events throughout the year. Albeit, orange is not my absolute favorite color there is something about this shade that is, well...sassy! Personally, I like to see this color being used effectively in one of two ways: clean and preppy or fresh and funky.


If you're going the preppy route, I would pair it simply with a crisp white, light khaki or gray, or a navy blue. If you are looking for something slightly different take your tangerine tango and match it with say accents of bright green or aqua (NOTE: when using two bold colors make sure one is the primary color and the other an accent, too many bold colors can be visual confusing and unappealing).

{Photo: The Knot}

{Photo: The Knot}

{Photo: Project Wedding}

{Photo: The Knot}

{Photo: The Knot}

{Photo: The Knot}