Elephant Themed 1st Birthday Party

Do you remember this darling bird theme nursery room? Well, that little baby boy recently turned one!

For his first birthday celebration his style-savvy mom selected a sweet & whimsical elephant invitation by Sweet Street Gals from minted.com. The invitation inspired an elephant themed birthday party full of style, amazing details and cakes that are drool-worthy!

It’s the little details that made this party so special including this darling elephant balloon topper from Bratty Cakes. Amazing, right?

The birthday boy had a special red velvet cupcake made just for him. Don’t you love this baby elephant with single red balloon? 

Alphabet blocks and a banner spell out birthday wishes to memorialize the special day. Did you notice the little elephant in the top block?

The banner was handmade from a template  found on Martha Stewart {here}. Each letter was printed out and cut in circles. The letters were then glued on red paper circles {coordinating with the party theme} and strung on a white ribbons.

To create these custom goodie bags, photocopies of the invitation were made and adhered to the front of solid red paper bags. Each gift bag was personalized with guest’s names using white letter stickers. So simple, so cute!

I still can’t get over that darling little cupcake with the baby elephant. 
What’s your favorite element?

PS - Minted.com is one of my affiliate partners... check out all their gorgeous designs! 

Trina Turk Residential Sale & Joss & Main Invitation

You know I am a Trina Turk fan. So, I wanted to spread the word when the folks at Joss & Main {the new online source for high-end home furnishings at up to 70% off retail} told me they will be running a Trina Turk Residential sale tomorrow - Monday, January 31st. The sale will be featuring some of Trina’s fabulous pillows and rugs like the ones seen below. 

Powered by CSN Stores, Joss & Main is a private, members-only site offering daily collections of home décor merchandise. Sales start at 11:00 AM EST and last a short time – most are only 72 hours.

Click on this link to join Joss & Main:

http://www.jossandmain.com/store/myinvite/3pE

Happy Shopping!

Friday Find: Wallpaper Collection by Galbraith & Paul

Since 1986, Galbraith & Paul has been captivating us with their beautiful hand block printed fabrics and lighting shades of silk, linen and velvet.  They also create gorgeous made to order hand-tufted rugs to the trade. 

Jumping into one of the hottest design trends this decade, Galbraith & Paul recently released a new collection of wallpaper that elegantly echos the artisan hand of their printed fabrics. 

The collection offers a wide variety of fresh and fun color palettes in classic patterns that range from subtle to bold. All are beautiful. Take a closer look here.

What’s your take on wallpaper – love it or not?

5 Feng Shui Tips for Increasing Positive Energy in Your Home

Feng Shui is fascinating to me and I am interested in learning more about how to improve the energy in our homes through interior design. Today I am thrilled to have a Feng Shui expert give us some tips. 

Cristin Zegers {yep, spelled just like me!} is a Feng Shui Consultant and Mom of three based in the Atlanta, Georgia area. She believes that our homes are our havens and should embrace us, reflect us, and inspire us. Using the ancient practice of Feng Shui and her own intuitive guidance, Cristin strives to empower people with the knowledge they need to create spaces that nurture them and support the work they do within themselves every day.

{image source House Beautiful and designer Christopher Maya}

Think of that house you walk in to and you immediately feel at ease. We all know of at least one house like this. We can’t quite put our finger on it, but it’s welcoming and comfortable, and lingering for hours in this space just leaves us feeling good. Chances are this house has good Feng Shui. The words Feng Shui actually translate to wind and water—kind of like the unseen and the seen. A house with good Feng Shui has good flow, which is something that we not only see but we feel. 

Feng Shui has been around for centuries and the essence of this ancient practice is just as applicable today as it has ever been. No matter what your taste, budget, or decorating style, basic Feng Shui principles can be incorporated into your own home creating a space that embraces you, supports you, and leaves your family and your guests feeling energized and positive. 

Here are five key areas to focus on in your own home to turn your house into a haven of positive energy:

{image source House Beautiful and designer James Radin}

1. Deal with the clutter. Seen and unseen—remember? We can’t have overflowing closets and mysteries under our beds and feel at ease. Energy gets hung up in these places and therefore affects us internally. A cluttered home equals a cluttered mind, so start purging with abandon and see how much freer you feel.

{image source Marnie Rose and stylist Lauren Nelson}

2. If you don’t love it, set it free. Our belongings hold the memories and thoughts we attach to them. Everything you own should lift your spirits, and if it doesn’t, pass it along so maybe it can do that for someone else. You’ll be opening up space for something more spectacular to enter your life! So if you’ve been looking at that coffee table and cringing for years, here’s your permission to take it to the curb (or the donation center). You’ll be so glad you did. 

3. If it’s broken, fix it. Now. Feng Shui teaches us the relationship between parts of our house to areas of our life. A leaky faucet or broken stove could be connected to financial challenges. Wobbly table legs or unstable chairs could be indicative of unsupportive relationships. We need to treat our belongings like precious members of our family and take care of them. Clean, mend, tighten, polish—give your love to your belongings and they will love you right back in ways you may not even know. 

{image source Patrice Cowan Bevans Interior Design}

4. Put yourself in the power position. When you lay in bed, sit at your desk, and relax in your favorite chair, make sure you can see the entrance to the room. Having your back to the doorway leaves an unsettling feeling, like you’re not protected. Position yourself so you won’t be startled when someone enters. The only exception to this is the placement of your bed. Do not have your feet directly in line with the door of your bedroom. Even moving your bed one foot, so you don’t look past your feet and out the door, can make a big difference. 

{image source Palmer Weiss Interior Design}

5. Take a tour of your home from an energetic point of view. Where your eye goes the energy goes. Those comfortable, peaceful homes have meandering paths for energy to follow. Long, dark hallways and staircases are like shooting rapids for energy flow. Position your furnishings to support an easeful movement throughout your space. A clever use of mirrors can aid the auspicious circulation, as can light and color. Take a walk through your space and see what angles you can soften and paths you can slow down. 

Being mindful of these five Feng Shui guidelines in the arrangement and everyday inhabitance of your home can result in abundance you haven’t recognized before. Looking upon your place and your belongings with gratitude creates that positive glow you recognize. It makes people want to be there, and it’s an environment that supports your goals and dreams. Live in a space that reflects the life you want to live…then live it! 

For more information, please visit Cristin Zegers’  website & blog. Thank you Cristin!

How do you incorporate Feng Shui principles in your home today?

Introducing COCOCOZY Home Collection and Thanks

Fellow design blogger, COCOCOZY has just opened a fabulous online store featuring her own Spring/Summer 2011 home furnishings collection which includes fine linen pillows, soft cotton knit throws, window coverings and fun finds. I am loving the fresh geometric prints in a mix of cool blues, earthy greens and crisp greys. Take a look for yourself - COCOCOZY Shop. Bravo Coco!

Also, I have recently received several flattering blog awards from other bloggers. Thank you to the following beautiful blogs for your kind words and mention!

xo,

Very Stylish 2011 At-a-Glance Calendars–Download Free

Still haven’t found the perfect at-a-glance calendar for 2011? Check out these Fresh & fun calendars by Red Stamp. With five fabulous designs to pick from, you are sure to find one that works for your kitchen, office or bulletin board. Simply print out the calendar on a standard 8 1/2 x 11” paper. I also love the idea of framing it!

Best of all… Red Stamp is letting us download them for free! Just go here. Thanks Red Stamp!

#1 {the Preppy Chevron in navy + coral} is my fav. What’s yours?

Tranquil Bedroom Blues

It’s been a long week. The flu knocked me out and has kept me in bed. Let’s just say it hasn’t been fun.

Long hours in bed however, made me think how important it is to invest in the design of your most private retreat, your bedroom. I have had these images of a beautiful bedroom designed by interior designer, Lee Ann Thornton of Thornton Designs of Greenwich, Connecticut tucked away and thought this was the right time to share them with you. The room's cool aqua walls set a calming feel to the room. Loving the hint of wallpaper in the hallway too.

Did you expect the burst of color in the window treatments? I didn’t, but find the juxtaposition fun and fresh aside the aqua walls and neutral bed. The pops of gold & bronze are carried out further in the starburst mirror, Moroccan poufs and geometric rug - love these touches of glam. I think a night in this bedroom would make anyone feel a little better. Don't you think?

For those searching… here are more tranquil bedroom designs.

Take care and be well!

Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?

Today I am thrilled to have four more talented interior design bloggers participate in the third,  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?  Erika Ward of Blulabel Bungalow, Marianne Strong of Haven and Home,  Maria Killam of Colour Me Happy and Kirsten Krason of 6th Street Design School were asked to design a look around the Maynard Side Table by Worlds Away {available at Clayton Gray Home} by incorporating four or so  home décor items of their choosing.

This beautiful gold leaf side table at 18" square x 26" high was just the beginning as each designer created a vignette reflective of their personal style and talents. Take a look at these fabulous inspiration boards:

Erika Ward of Blulabel Bungalow, Atlanta, GA

“2011 is all about a little spontaneity. This look is inspired by Jessica Snow’s artwork, Louis the Third, which features overlapping lines in energetic hues. Affordably priced at $200 for a 17”x 22’ print, there’s still enough money in the budget to have it framed. The Brownie Sofa [with its nailhead trim] grounds the space while adding a touch of glamour. Pulling colors from the artwork, I chose a versatile peacock blue chair and a gold Greek key rug to further the modern, funky vibe. Thom Filicia’s Citysquare fabric carries the Greek motif to the windows as drapery panels and to the sofa as accent pillows. Toss a couple of solid canary yellow pillows onto the sofa to complete the look. Hovering over the room is the most gorgeous pendant light which borrows metallic cues from the side table and its shape from the artwork. I would never have a sad day in this room.”

Maria Killam of Colour Me Happy, North Vancouver, BC

“I imagine this table paired with another one in a small guest bedroom in my future 2nd or 3rd residence in New York {smile}.  I love the green diamond pattern in the Serena & Lily headboard. Every guest room needs some fabulous, decorative toss cushions, these are by designer Trina Turk. The hot pink from the pillows would be repeated with a Robert Abbey Table Lamp from Macy's. The white barrel back chair from Williams Sonoma Home would be perfect in a guest room because no one would ever sit on it. This mirrored dresser from ZGallerie adds the perfect Hollywood glam touch for this bedroom to go with the end table.”

Marianne Strong of Haven and Home, Birmingham, AL

“As soon as I saw this table I instantly thought of a cozy reading nook.  The first thing I would add would be the Carter Chair from Mitchell & Gold.  It is large enough to be inviting, yet the nail head detail, legs and lines keep it stylish enough to compliment the side table.  I would upholster it in either a dark leather or natural linen.  Next I would add a floor lamp to make sure there was ample reading light.  I chose the Circa Bamboo floor lamp because it is sleek and adds an additional texture against the metal.  The table has a certain refinement to it, the Peshawar rug from Williams Sonoma home shares this quality while adding softness and some pattern.  Since I see the table in a reading nook I would add the Charcoal Script pillow from South of Market and the Blue Sage Ruched Throw from West Elm for added comfort.”

Kirsten Krason of 6th Street Design School, Utah

“I imagine this wonderful side table next to a comfy reading chair in an intricate batik ink print. {Slope Chair at Urban Outfitters}. A beautiful pillow found on Etsy pulls out the gold in the table and then the Pottery Barn’s Star & Flower rug has accents of gold and blue. This little reading nook would be cozy, sophisticated and colorful. The industrial iron floor lamp serves as a great reading lamp. And the butterfly art, Christopher Marley’s Form & Pheromone, Lanternflies is simple enough to work with the busy chair and rug patterns.”

A big thank you to Erika, Maria, Marianne and Kirsten for participating in this series!

There are elements in each design that I think are fabulous. Which one catches your eye?

Thank You MLK

{Martin Luther King, Jr. original art by David Collier on Etsy}

“Now, I say to you today my friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: / we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

- Martin Luther King Jr., I Have a Dream, 1963

{I Have a Dream, pastel by Carol Schiff Studio on Etsy}

As our nation remembers Martin Luther King tomorrow, I am thankful for his tremendous leadership, fearlessness and sacrifice.

We can continue to honor his legacy everyday by loving one another
and embracing equality world wide.

Friday Find: Chic Lacquer Desk Set

Now that you have organized the desk drawer, how about the desk’s surface? A desk set can be a great solution to help tame office supplies and paper clutter on the desk top. Today’s Friday Find is the modern, high-gloss lacquer desk set from West Elm. Isn't it chic?

The office set includes a magazine holder, trinket tray, paper tray, pencil cup and desk tray. Available in sleek white or vibrant peridot, items can be individually purchased to mix & match or coordinate with what you already own. It’s an easy way to update your desk's look with a touch of glam! 

Happy Friday and Happy Organizing!

Simple Steps to Organize a Junk or Desk Drawer with Style

Do you have a drawer in your home that looks like this? Most of us have had a drawer that has gotten a little out-of-control. Organizing a junk drawer is actually quite easy and can typically be done quickly. Whether organizing a drawer that holds odds & end, cosmetics or office supplies, the process is the same.

Here are  simple steps to organize a junk drawer:

Step One - Empty & Edit

First take all the contents out of the drawer and purge. Item by item determine whether or not it is worth storing:

• Toss if broken or expired {recycle when possible}.
• Donate items that are not being used.

Take the opportunity to clean the drawer and line it with fresh paper if applicable.

Step Two - Group
The next step is to arrange items into similar groups based on function and size. When you come across items that don’t belong in the drawer, set aside in a separate group that will need to be returned to the correct place.

Step Three - Contain
Recently a Simplified Bee reader, Jeanette asked for suggestions on organizing a desk or junk drawer in a stylish way. The containers or dividers used and how they are arranged is where the “styling” comes in.

There so many organizing tray and divider options for drawers. Before you purchase any drawer dividers however, measure the drawer {width and height} to know what will fit. Also, keep in mind the sizes and quantities of the items you want to store to ensure you purchase the best option. The Container Store, Ikea, Target or any office supply store are great resources for basic and inexpensive drawer organizing trays like the ones in the desk drawer above via Apartment Therapy.

I love the clean look of these customizable acrylic drawer dividers by LifeStyle Systems. Martha Stewart shows how to install them here.

Styling tip: For an uncluttered look, select a drawer liner in a neutral color and with a simple pattern.

Organizing your junk drawer doesn't have to be expensive. Save money by using everyday items you may already have such as baskets, ice trays and shoe box lids in drawers to help keep items contained.

{image source: BHG}

For long narrow drawers like this one above, a trio of cookie sheets keeps supplies organized.

{image source: BHG}

Muffin pans provide the perfect size compartment for smaller items such as stamps, paper clips and loose change.

{image source: Martha Stewart}

Put your China to good use everyday! Decorative bowls, plates and tea cups make this jewelry drawer colorful and functional.

HGTV had this great deak storage idea that's also inexpensive and eco-friendly. Clean tuna cans and nestle them into a drawer to keep items neatly stored.

Step Four - Arrange

Next arrange each grouping of items into the appropriate container or divider. Keep in mind the idea is to be able to locate items easily and therefore, labeling the compartments may make sense in some cases.

Do you remember the first image of the messy, cluttered drawer? Here it is organized and functioning beautifully. Several containers were used in combination. First the basket {which was originally used} was spray painted a semi-gloss white for a cleaner look. A clear acrylic tray with dividers purchased at Target was added to divide the smaller items. A scalloped white bowl and vintage milk glass mug pulled from the cupboard were the perfect fit for containing iPhone cords and magnets.

Styling tip: If using different style containers & dividers, unify the look by having all the containers in the same color.

Keeping your newly organized drawer beautiful will take some maintenance. If it is a drawer used often, keep an eye on items that are misplaced and edit routinely. If the drawer is used infrequently, add it to your quarterly or bi-annual cleaning schedule so that it doesn’t get overlooked.

Do you have any fun styling tips for organizing drawers?

Happy organizing!