Happy Cinco de Drink-o!

Ingredients:

Sugar

Limes

3 cups of cubed seeded watermelon

1/2 cup of Patron tequila

1/2 cup of Sparkling Lemonade

3 tablespoons of Cointreu

The How To:

Rim frozen glasses with sugar. Combine watermelon, tequila, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of Cointreau and a few squeezes of lime  in a blender; process until smooth. Stir in a 1/2 cup of sparkling lemonade.  Fill each glass with 1/2 cup of crushed ice and desired amount of margarita mix. Garnish with watermelon wedge. Enjoy courtesy of AO!! 

DIY Nursery Wall....so sweet!

I'm excited to update this super popular post with instructions! 

I absolutely adore this affordable alternative to add color to any wall. My friend Erica did a beautiful job designing the wall behind Kate's crib using swatch portraits. She found the idea at http://www.purlbee.com. 

The wall behind the crib is almost as cute as her daughter pictured Kate, don't you think?

And here are the super easy instructions....

 

Materials:

    - Embroidery hoop 

    - A scrap piece of fabric that is a few inches wider than the hoop

    - Scissors

    - Elmer's glue (you can also use a hot glue gun)

 

Instructions:

    - Place the fabric in the embroidery hoop.  Make sure to pull the fabric so that it is taut.

    - Flip the embroidery hoop over so that the wrong side is facing you.

    - Place a small amount of glue all the way around the edge of the inside hoop.

    - Press the fabric into the glue.

    - Once the glue is dry, trim the fabric around the edge of the hoop and the hoop is ready to hang!

Erica used scrap fabric she had on hand and her husband Jon actually made the wood letters! You can find similar wood letters at PB Kids.  I've also found paper mache letters at Hobby Lobby that could be painted white or the color of your choice. 

To add a personal touch consider mixing vintage fabric that has a story to tell. 

What about an embroidered hankie of your grandmother's or a favorite dress you wore as a child? For an eclectic touch, all the important women in your daughter's life could provide a fabric swatch. 

(photographs courtesy of Erica Brower Photography)

Find Your Passion- Change Your Life

What’s Your Passion?

Confucius said, “choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Of course that’s a very romantic sounding notion and looks fabulous as a typography print when you run across it on Pinterest, but Confucius didn’t have to worry about making a car payment on time or paying for piano lessons. I believe every single person has a gift to offer the world and your gift usually is your passion. Uber-passionate people tend to be very creative and creatives tend to have difficulty staying focused. I would consider myself an extremely passionate person and I suffer from a serious case of what I call Creative Attention Deficit Disorder or CADD for short. The symptoms include incomplete projects, constantly daydreaming of the next great business idea, required menial day-to-day tasks not getting done like laundry and so on.  Perhaps you’re in this hamster wheel of life and you desire true passion but don’t know where to start. Based on first-hand experience I’m here to offer some advice. 


Answer This Question- If you had hours of uninterrupted time what would you choose to do? 
Do the hours feel like minutes when you’re enveloped in this bliss? If you’re thinking “hey...I’m passionate about surfing the net looking for a cute dress to wear to a wedding I’m going to. I can’t turn that into a job!”. Think again. Maybe you’d be fabulous at spotting fashion trends and blogging about it. 

Ask your friends and family

Maybe you don’t know your passion but the people who love you probably do. Your BFF might tell you that you’re the go-to person for advice. People get paid lots of money to tell other people what’s wrong with them. Just ask Dr. Phil. Perhaps your husband sees a motivated artist in you. This was the case in my life. As a former business owner, my husband saw that I had a natural business sense and the eye for color and design. In fact, one of the first things he ever gave me was the book ‘The Girl's Guide to Starting Your Own Business: Candid Advice, Frank Talk, and True Stories for the Successful Entrepreneur’ by Friedman and Yorio. His confidence in me and feeling that I would learn from a book written by women for women made all the difference in the world. This is a great read, by the way. The authors do a phenomenal job of spelling out all the confusing and boring aspects of starting a business in a fun way. Who knew reading about whether you should form an LLC or a S Corp could be entertaining. 

Stay focused

This can be very hard to do if you’re CADD like me. But it’s absolutely necessary to find your true passion. If you want to dabble around in various passion-finding adventures just pick one at a time. You can take an art class or a sewing class, check out books at the library on a certain hobby or even find someone to show you the ropes.

Start Small- Grow Big

Whether you’re working full-time or you’re a SAHM (the ultimate full-time job) you must carve out a little bit of time every week to find your passion. Once you think you’ve found ‘it’ determine  what you can do to be even better. I started out painting on store bought ceramics with a paint pen and then baking it. I knew I was good at what I was doing but I wasn’t happy with the look of the finished product and felt limited with with what I could do with this method. With zero experience in ceramics and no art background I learned everything I could about kiln-fired ceramics. Slowly but surely I got better and now...I think I’m pretty darn good at what I do!

Your Passion and the Big Bucks

Being really good at something doesn’t always mean you’ll make money at it but you’ll be rewarded in other ways.  Maybe your passion is in ministry or education. Not to say teachers don’t make any money but I bet many would say it sure feels like they’re not getting a paycheck. Maybe your passion is being a mother. If you’re lucky enough to be a SAHM  be passionately good at what you do.

Do Your Homework

If choose the path of self-employment (LOVE!) I suggest you take the time to research and find out what else is out there and work to be different enough to stand out. Small businesses are growing like weeds right now and many of these businesses are SAHM’s turned entrepreneurs. Offering a product or service that’s similar to what someone else has already worked hard to grow will likely be an uphill battle. You want a look or concept that stands out and becomes your signature style. 

My mom often told us growing up that whatever career you choose in life you should be passionate about it. She would say “we need great garbage men as much as we need great doctors.” This has always resonated with me and has changed me in such a way that I don’t believe the most educated person in the room is necessarily the smartest. As cliche as it sounds, life is short and why waste it doing something you don’t love. I feel incredibly blessed to have found my passion. Offer the world your passion and you will be rewarded. 

The Faux Mudroom

Like many families we don't have the elaborate mudroom often drooled over  so we make do with the space we do have. For us, the family space happens to be in our garage. This space has to serve many purposes. We have oodles of different activities going on at once which can be a challenge to keep track of and typically results in several schedules stuck to the side of the fridge.  We also have shoes, hats, backpacks and so on.  I'm determined to combine all these needs into one gorgeous spot. 

source

Gorgeous and functional. 

This is my inspiration for the family spot. 

I love that it looks like a piece of furniture but also serves as a resting spot for everyone's stuff. 

pb teen

If we had more room, this concept has major drool points going for it. This is ideal for a large family like ours. 

source

This concept is pretty clever for a family with younger children. I like the hooks placed both high and low. Lumberjocks provides everything you need to know to build this yourself. 

source

See the bulletin board on the right? This is what the side of our fridge looks like and I'm not down with that.

 I have just the plan to tidy up our schedules I'll share in a future post. 

Check back to see what the handy hubby and I come up with. 

oh martha....you've outdone yourself this time!!

 I recently discovered Martha Stewart's dreamy line of Avery products at Staples.  As I approached the display 

I could hear angels singing softly in the distance.

Finally, someone created a super chic line of coordinating desk products.  I walked out of Staples spending far more than I would have liked,  but can you really put a price on organized perfection?

 I think not! ;)

 My Tiffany blue binder makes me feel like having my s...tuff together can be luxurious.

 I even created a coordinating family notebook. 

All of our documents are neatly tucked away for easy access. 

Go Martha!

Spring Trends for 2012

#1. Color Blocking

Expect to see plenty of colorblocking this Spring. 

What is colorblocking? 

Designers create this unique look by using contrasting, yet complimentary, colors. 

The look is bold and unexpected. 

#2. And the Winner Is.....

(source)

Tangerine Tango....sounds like a drink and a dance. Fabulous! 

This has to be one of my favorite fashion colors for several reasons. 

The cheery color compliments every skin tone, it makes a statement and it looks fabulous with turquoise!

#3 Canary Yellow

(Supertrash yellow pants, €90

Tory Burch leather ballet flat, $195Christian Louboutin red soled high heels, $625Tory burch clutch, £239Juicy couture ring, $58Marc by Marc Jacobs enamel bangle, $98Uslu Airlines Nail Polish - C.A.B., $30Dooney & Bourke Handbag Key Fob, $35)

Need I say more?

# 4 Peplum Accents

What the heck are peplum accents,  you ask? 

pep·lum/ˈpepləm/

Noun:

A short flared, gathered, or pleated strip of fabric attached at the waist of a woman's jacket, dress, or blouse. (in ancient Greece) A woman's loose outer tunic or shawl.

The runway looks are always a bit over the top. Personally I thought many of the peplum accents were had a bit like a lunatic housewife  look. I like this peplum jacket jacket above. It's a toned-down version of the runway look. (source- Stylebust.com)

#5 Tribal Prints

(L.A.M.B. Spring 2012)

The tribal inspired look is one of my favorite trends mostly because we can expect the same look  for the home. 

BCBG Max Azria Spring 2012

#6 Polka Dots

(Lela Rose, Luca Luca, and Suno)

Polka dots are typically a preppy or even juvenile look but clearly these designers pulled off the pattern with chic sophistication. 

Eva Franco polka dot dress, $248

Cotton cardigan, $20Lanvin ballet shoes, $550Essie nail polish in Vermillionaire: Makeup: allure.com

Here's my dream polka dot outfit for spring.

 It makes me want to whip up a martini and wait for my husband to come home from work. 

Love....

Meet Polyvore and Pinterest

I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest and her sister Polyvore. 

Clearly they're related to Facebook and Twitter...

all part of the Time Waster Dynasty. 

The fabulous thing about Polyvore is you can let your creativity run wild, though it is disappointing when you always choose the perfect items that are way out of your budget. 

I would love it if Polyvore had a chic sister that scores fabulous knock-offs at a fraction of the cost. 

Hmm....maybe I'm onto something. 

In the meantime, browse these lovely creations 

and dream of Spring. 

(click the photo to see more!)

Adore Magazine Chevron Love!

1. West Elm organic chevron duvet cover queen size $89.20

2. Set of 2 chevron dinner plates US$46

3. Urban Outfitters Ziggy chair $279

4. Jill Rosenwald Number 5 V Vase US$84

5. Emilia Ceramics Black zig zag tibor US$185

6. Ada and Darcy large pink zig zag cushion $65

The Little Style File 2011 Gift Guide!

Open publication

 Fantastic gift ideas for everyone on your list including The Ellie Collection

'family' plate! 

Apartment Therapy's Top 10 Dishes To Serve Up Some Entertainment

I cannot believe it's almost Thanksgiving! 

Everywhere I turn I see Christmas glaring at me. 

Poor Thanksgiving has become the 

red-headed step-child of the holidays. 

Let's band together and give this day the glory it deserves.

Adding an unexpected design element to your dining table is a great way to start! 

I swear food tastes better when it's resting on a fabulous dish. 

I was delighted to discover our 'Choose Your Word' personalized platter featured at 

Apartment Therapy. 

All of their picks are stellar, don't you think? 

Here are 10 dishes to serve up some turkey and some entertainment:

• Thanksgiving Platters, $29.00-$49.00 at West Elm
• Gold Peace Sign Salad Plate, $21.00 at Cameo Nouveau
• BÄRBAR Tray, $6.99 at IKEA
• Refined Timber Tray, $98.00 at Anthropologie
• Birdy Walk Dinner Plate, £25.00 at Soma Gallery
• Choose Your Word Platter, $30.00 at Aedriel Originals- Etsy
• Farmer's Market Basket, $28.00 at Anthropologie
• Chevron Square Monogrammed Melamine Serving Tray with Handles, $56.00 at Etsy
• Large Oval Platter, $85.00 at Elsa+Sam
• Ruffle Platter, $24.95 at Crate and Barrel

But wait! There's more.....

Of course there's all sorts Thanksgiving themed serving 

pieces at Aedriel Originals. 

The Ellie Collection features cozy words like

"family", "love", "together" and "cherish". 

The Grateful Collection adorns any serving piece 

you'd like from dessert plates to platters. 

how to create a bar area {aka the liquor vignette}

Creating a bar area is the perfect excuse to 

have a new focal point for any room and 

comes in super handy  for entertaining.

I'm getting ready to have a group of gals over 

for a cocktail party and needed some inspiration

 for a practical yet pretty bar area. 

Though I prefer to use my own term of 'liquor vignette'. 

 Creating a go-to area is ideal for parties allows 

your quests to be their own bartender which frees 

up the hostess for entertaining her guests. 

Some fun tips for your 'liquor vignette'-

* choose any spot including a bookshelf, sideboard or bar cart

* mix and match your stemware for variety and interest

* consider vintage decanters 

* add flowers or candles to warm the space and draw your guests

* create a special cocktail and provide simple instructions and all the ingredients 

(don't forget to add a drink garnish. I like using a cinnamon stick for fall drinks)

my name is Aedriel and I'm addicted to pinterest

So I've been a little MIA with the ol' blog. We've been busy. Busy and crazy. Busy because we have kiddos with lots of activities, my business and life in general, and crazy because we're on the verge of adding on to our home and revamping the whole exterior. I'm tempted to share the 'before' photos but I'm thinking I'll wait until I am sure the 'after' is going to look the way I see it in my mind.  Did I mention we're doing all the work ourselves? I'm blessed to have a hunky handyman husband but this also means I have to be nice when the project gets behind schedule. In the meantime, I'll take care of the pretty...he'll take care of the heavy lifting.

This is where Pinterest comes in. I'm sure you've heard of it. It's the most addicting site ever created. It has been the primary tool to help me see what I'd like our home to look like when we're done with this massive project.  I always believe the journey is half the fun and dreaming about what we want the end result to look like is so exciting. Of course....let's see what our budget allows!

Here's a taste of the board I'm creating 
as inspiration for our project. 

Check out this stunning outdoor fireplace. 

I'm thinking our courtyard gate needs to look similar to this gate. 

Follow along on Pinterest and the blog 

and I'll do my best to post lots of updates. 

Interested in seeing the 'before' photos of the house? Let me know and maybe I'll have the guts to post them. They're pretty bad! I'm not sure why pink stucco was ever invented...there's a hint! 

winter's night.....{new item...yay!!}

I'm actually ready for the cold weather. 

Of course ask me in February 

and I'll likely not be so enthusiastic. 

Our new 'Winter's Night' earthenware ball 

makes me long for 

colder weather! 

Brilliant and luminous this hand-poured kiln fired glazed ball will add a distinctive touch to any tree. 

The stunning shades of blue with white and gold flecks remind me of the beautiful night sky in 

New Mexico after a 

snowfall. 

Like snowflakes, no two ornaments 

will ever be the same! 

Ornament measures 8" in diameter and 4" across.

 Ships FREE when you add it to your order!!

back to school time....already???

I feel an overwhelming urge to tidy up and organize everything this time of year. It's a combination of the kids going back to school and knowing the season of being stuck inside is upon us. 

Sit back....relax...and enjoy the eye candy.

I'm sort of obsessed with chalkboards. This is awesome because it's tidy in a frame. 

If paper is more your thing, this printable to-do list from Lifes a Journal is so much better than plain paper. 

I'm all about checking items off my list. 

I'm not sure what I like more....the faux deer head or how put together this bookshelf looks.

Ahhhh.......I could get a lot of work done in this space.

{eclectic home office design by houston media and blogs Casa Greer}

I'm going to assume these are from Pottery Barn. 

I feel a little more organized just looking at this image. 

This custom built mudroom unit gives everyone in the family their own storage spot. How clever!

{hall design by detroit interior designer Green Apple Design}

summer

Summer is a blissful season, don't you think? 

I can almost feel the rays warm my skin with these Etsy finds. 

Enjoy the warmth now....it'll be autumn before too long.

Surf Spray print by The Jonathan Galleries

Strawberry Fields Hipster Bikini by Molly B

Dream Wall Sign by Wall Art

Fine Art Photograph Summer California Beach Scene by Honey Tree

choose one? {impossible}

I'll take one of each please! This maxi dress from Anthropologie is perfect for late summer with it's autumn color palette while this suzani chair would grace our living room beautifully. The arm chair reminds me of two of my favorite pieces....my cowboy boots and my turquoise necklace. Jamie at Imagine Design gets all the credit for this combo. She is the 'this and that' master! 

Pin It

you are special today!!!

Introducing the 'You Are Special' today plate!! The simple yet festive design features pennant banners and my trademark script. What a fun way to start a new tradition in your family. How about taking turns picking which family member gets to use the plate for the day! 

The Kiddos-
* First day of school
* Losing a tooth
* Baptism
* Recognizing a good deed
* Birthday
* Becoming a big brother or sister
* Academic achievements

The Grownups- 
* A promotion
* Pregnancy
* Birthday
* Recognizing a new beginning
* Housewarming 

The 'You Are Special Today!' plate makes a fabulous addition to the 'Celebrate' Collection. Of course check out all the new designs at Aedriel Originals!

crazy for legos! {DIY Lego Party}

My daughter is nuts about Legos! Apparently she's not the only kid out there obsessed with them. Check out all these fantastic Lego Party finds. 

Find everything you need to get your party started at Amy's Printables. 

These Lego soap bricks from Mels Fun Suds would be great for party favors. 

I am so impressed with this pinata! Find all the how-to at Delia Creates. 

How about a little Lego art for your party!

Handz offers this print, along with many others, at his Etsy shop.