Imaginary Wedding Planning: Black & White Ball

I love the idea of a black and white wedding- done right it can be chic, edgy and surprising (just like Mr. Capote's famous shin dig.) A nice breath of fresh air. See the treasury live on etsy here!

Chalkboard inspired invites set the tone. This party is going to be modern, clean, unfussy and totally cool.

These glacial votives are perfectly mod centerpieces that can go right from the reception to the happy couple's new dining table.
A wildly enthusiastic twist on those tired old "I do's".

A black veil is a perfectly unexpected touch- don't you love how sexy black tulle can be?

Why not enjoy a no bake black and white oreo cake and toast the happy couple with ice cold milk?

A ruffly dress for the bride to dance the night away in- with black piping, of course.

A customized bus scroll serves as decor on the big day and then as art for their new home ever after.

Don't forget the getaway car!

Sneak Peek at My Golden Birthday Invitations

I just whipped up these invitations for my Golden Birthday celebration. I used some doilies, foil wrappers from chocolate coins and sequins for a little extra razzle dazzle. It should be an evening for the books!

The Modern Gypsy Caravan is a Vintage Camper

Even though we have a contract to stay here in Hawaii until the end of next school year, the wheels are already turning as we begin plotting our next adventure. There is a long list of possibilities, and I thought it would be fun to share the process with y'all.

One of my favorite ideas is to downsize all our possessions (again. Ugh.) and live like Gypsies for a year, crisscrossing the American continent in a little vintage trailer. I did a bit of cursory internet research, which yeileded lots of expensive, unattractive results- you know, wallpaper boarders and curtains that match the pastel upholstery, vinyl flooring and neon lights. I threw up my hands.

Then I saw a commercial for GoRVing.com. With it's charming, easy to navigate layout, it answered a lot of my questions without trying to sell me anything and pointed me towards Tin Can Tourists- a virtual treasure trove of restored and vintage trailers, and a community of helpful enthusiasts. Now I can't get the idea out of my mind!

Of course, an Airstream is the fantasy for me, though I've read that they are quite heavy and cost a fortune to tow (This lady sells gourmet snow cones in her Shasta!). On the other hand, they can look like this dreamboat.

I'm encouraged because a lot of the smaller vintage trailers were quite affordable. I've always wanted to take on a remodeling project, and I think the small scale of a camper would be less intimidating than an entire home! I have lots more potential plans in mind for the year after next, but this one is quite exciting! Wouldn't it be fun to drive from Monterrey to Miami to Vancouver, blogging all the way?

DIY with the Fab Miss B: Tissue Poms

I made a whole slew of tissue paper pom poms for our Sweet & Salty party, and they were a cinch to make! Here's a little how to so you can make some for your next party!

You will need: tissue paper, hole punch, wire, and wire cutters.

Take 4-8 pieces of tissue paper and accordion fold them, at least 7 times.

Make a hole punch in the center of the folds.

Thread a piece of wire through the hole.

Twist it closed.

And twist the wire into a loop.

Now, shape the petals with scissors.

For this one, I did scallops, but triangles look cool too.

Fan out the accordion folds.

Then gently pull up the tissue layers one by one.

Soon you'll have a lovely collection of flowers to string on a garland.

Quite festive, don't you think? What's your favorite party decoration?

Presents for my friends: Edition for S

Here is another collection of Christmas gift ideas from Etsy, this time inspired by my dear friend S. She lives in Eugene Oregon, where she is studying to be a nurse. She is a new mom to an adorable apple cheeked girl and she and her husband to be have recently bought their first home! She loves to be outdoors, cross country skiing or hiking in the beautiful northwestern hills and forests. You'll always find her surrounded by friends and she's known for her infectious smile and easy going nature. Her well mannered dog Bishop is never far behind her.

This gorgeous photograph has the sort of straightforward wholesome simplicity she employs in the kitchen. Fresh, seasonal and local. Why not hang it on the wall?

A beautiful handmade mug to fill with every new mom's greatest ally: piping hot java.

A sweet handmade birdie pendant that finds beauty in imperfection.

Some decadent organic bath products for a little mom and baby pampering.

Gorgeous felted slippers to keep her toes cozy on Christmas morning!

A beautiful scarf to add some panache to her cross country skiing ensemble, or taking baby and pup for a stroll in the cool winter air.

How is your Christmas shopping coming? I do all of mine online nowadays and it's MUCH more pleasant than fighting crowds. What's your technique for managing the madness?

Lazy Sunday Morning

Editor's Note: Please swing by and check out the treasury here while it's still live on Etsy and, as usual, click on the images to go right to the listings. Happy Sunday!

It's Sunday Morning. Take your time getting up- it's meant to be a day of rest, after all!

Pour the orange juice- It will look incredibly vibrant in these glasses.

Paper straws are an old fashioned soda counter touch.

These lovely specimens are just the spot to rest those juice glasses.

Open up those blinds and let the day in!


Curl up in a comfy chair with lots of soft fluffy pillows.

Pick up a back issue of a favorite magazine to peruse while the coffee is brewing.


Strum a tune for your sweetie on this adorable two string guitar.

Admire the arrangement on your kitchen counter.

The coffee is ready at last! Enjoy a cuppa with a warm croissant slathered with butter and raspberry jam. (Yum!)

If you must change out of your pj's, be sure to hang something lovely from your earlobes...

And don't forget your handbag as you head off to the Farmer's Market to do a bit of grocery shopping. What a perfect morning it's been!

How do you like to spend your Sundays? This morning Eric is busy making waffles with freshly whipped cream, toasted almonds and coconut. The smell is wafting into my office as I type!

The Sailor

Her love affair with the sea began as a little girl. She loved to walk out into the waves and feel the strong current beneath her small body. The crash of the waves and the water rushing back out again, hissing and popping-Those sounds are always with her, making up the soundtrack of her life. (*Click on the images to go to the listings.)

This pendant was a gift to herself on the day she bought her sailboat.
This print hangs in her study, near her giant antique globe and shelves of books by Jacques Cousteau.



She tries to keep up on correspondence when on dry land. There is no mail on the high seas and her trips can last up to six months at a go.

These striped sailor shorts are just the thing to wear on a long sea voyage. Comfortable, fashion forward and that snappy blue and white that she finds irresistible.


Deck shoes are a must. No black sole marks on her lovely boat, thank you very much!


She has an extensive collection of ships in bottles, but this one is by far the tiniest!



This preppy pillow made from recycled sail cloth decorates her ship's bunk.


Learning to tie knots is an essential skill for any sailor. Luckily, they also make pretty bracelets to give as gifts when she returns home.

(P.S- See my other treasuries here and screenshots of my collections here.)