PARTY PLANNING: A TRAVEL-THEMED BIRTHDAY

For most of the summer I have been eagerly planning a birthday bash for my beloved Mom, who turns the big 6-0 in September. It's been cool to brainstorm together and think of various means to make the party feel as special and fun as she is. Needing a theme, we decided to reference her worldly ways and make it a travel-focused party complete with tons of vintage maps and globes (my favorite!). After the party I will be excited to share all the fabulous projects I put together, but in the meantime I thought I would feature some of my inspiration.

Here are a few parties and products that have been jump off points for my planning process:



A bright, cheery teacher appreciation party. How awesome is that pull down map? I may have bought one of my own . . . 














































This classy globe-focused wedding. I love the idea of vintage globe centerpieces!


This cake topper is too cute, perfect for that first birthday party!

The moment we decided to go with the travel theme, I thought of this print by Lisa Congdon as inspiration for the invite. Aren't they great? 






















































































So here are some of the pretty things I am thinking of incorporating into the party. Clearly we are going with a light blue, turquoise and yellow color scheme (conveniently similar to my Dad's party last year) with pops of other bright color here and there. Overall we want to capture the vivacious, fun-loving, adventuresome character of my dear Mom and, with these sweet ideas, I think we can do it! Any other travel-themed things you can think of that I missed? Suggestions are welcome!

one  pull down vintage school map, $59.99 | two ocean light string from bright lab, $29.95 | three metal globe bank, $18 | four fun yellow and white bouquet | five stripey straws, 25 for $6.85 | six chocolate earth balls, one pound for $8.99 | seven yellow streamers DIY



THE WINTER BLUES: COBALT



What's your take on winter? According to Punxsutawney Phil, we are in for six more weeks of winter, so hopefully you are on board! I actually kind of love our recent weather with super cold days and beautiful sweeping snow storms. It's fun to bundle up and frolic in the snow!

Anywho, as I pull on my hunter boots for the umpteenth day in the row, I started thinking about winter fashion and how it can get in a rut. We need to bring some pops of color into the boringness of black, brown and grey that tends to seem into our wardrobes come November! Are you with me?

So here's my take on the "winter blues"—a round up of juicy cobalt gear that will brighten up your closet in a matter of moments. Hope you like it!


01. crepe shift dress, jcrew, $148

02. medium cloud loop scarf, rosetung, $180

03. heritage sleeve for macbook, herschel supply co., $14.99

04. super ciccio eyeglasses, madewell, $169

05. medis cobalt headphone, urbanears, $49.90

06. the mira heel, madewell, $168


08. butler please nail polish, essie, $8.50




COOKING WITH SKY, EMERALD, CERULEAN

LIGHT BLUE


I have been quite enamored with the kitchen offerings over at Anthropologie right now. They have lots of products that are both practical and beautiful—my favorite combination!


Here are some of my top picks, any of which would make a great holiday gift!


—1—Kitchen Magic Twisty Whisk, $8
—2—Verdant Canister, $78
—3—Pure & Good Hand Soap in Rosemary and Mint, $22
—4—Paint Can Ice Bucket, Large, $68
—5—Balloon Red Wine Glass, $16
—6—Staub La Cocotte, Oval, $298
—7—Farmer's Market Basket, Large Square, $20 (love this!)